The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr. Philip Agbese, has revealed that the leadership of Rivers State, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly, may be recalled before the end of their six-month suspension. This suspension was imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Agbese made the remarks after the House plenary session on Thursday, where he justified the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State. He argued that the move was necessary to restore peace and order in the state, which has been plagued by various political crises.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was initially made by President Tinubu in response to escalating political violence and instability in the region. Agbese emphasized that peace and order are fundamental for good governance, stating that they are prerequisites for development and prosperity in any country.
“The state of emergency is not meant to punish the people of Rivers State, but to ensure peace and restore order,” Agbese said, adding that the situation in the state had reached a point where drastic measures were needed to prevent further escalation.
According to Agbese, the House of Representatives, which approved the state of emergency following President Tinubu’s request, also proposed amendments to the proclamation in order to address concerns from various parties involved in the crisis. He noted that these amendments were designed to bring a sense of balance and fairness to the resolution process.
In his comments, Agbese stated that the House of Representatives had proposed several recommendations to help resolve the crisis in Rivers State more quickly. Among these proposals was the establishment of a Committee of Eminent Nigerians, which would be tasked with helping to mediate and find a lasting solution to the tensions in the state.
He also mentioned that the emergency rule could be reviewed before the expiration of the full six-month period, depending on the situation in the state. If peace is fully restored and order is maintained before the six months are over, Agbese suggested that the governor and members of the state assembly could be recalled and allowed to resume their duties.
“We proposed a review of the emergency rule, such that if peace is secured before the expiration of the six months, the governor and the State Assembly will be recalled,” Agbese said. This approach, he explained, would allow for a flexible response to the evolving situation in the state.
Agbese also pointed out that the National Assembly is keen to support President Tinubu’s efforts in resolving the Rivers State crisis, but emphasized that the situation needs to be carefully managed. According to him, the National Assembly, as a microcosm of Nigeria, is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the people of Rivers and ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.
“We cannot deny that the challenges in Rivers need to be fixed,” Agbese remarked. He went on to explain that the approval of the state of emergency was a necessary step to prevent further instability, but that the ultimate goal was to bring about lasting peace in the state.
The deputy spokesman also stressed the importance of collaboration between the federal government, the National Assembly, and the people of Rivers State in finding a resolution to the crisis. He called on Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation, adding that the House of Representatives would continue to monitor the progress made and ensure that all parties involved are held accountable.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been ongoing for some time, with tensions rising between the state government, opposition parties, and various political factions. Violence, protests, and disagreements over governance have been common in the state, particularly during election periods. The state’s political landscape has been characterized by fierce rivalry between various political actors, leading to frequent clashes and unrest.
In the wake of the violence and instability, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, granting the federal government greater control over the state’s affairs. This decision was aimed at restoring order and addressing the deep-rooted issues affecting the state’s political environment.
The suspension of Governor Fubara and the state House of Assembly members was a part of the broader emergency measures. Their suspension is meant to give the federal government more room to implement its plans for restoring peace and stability. However, Agbese’s comments suggest that this suspension may not last the full six months if the situation improves sooner.
The state of emergency in Rivers State has drawn mixed reactions from various quarters. While some have supported the move as necessary to restore order, others have criticized it as an overreach by the federal government. Critics argue that the suspension of the state government could undermine the principle of state autonomy and lead to further tensions between the state and federal governments.
Supporters of the emergency rule, however, believe that it is the best option for addressing the political violence and instability that have plagued the state. They argue that the suspension of the state government is a temporary measure aimed at bringing peace, and that the ultimate goal is to allow for democratic governance to resume once the situation is under control.
As the state of emergency continues in Rivers, all eyes will be on the National Assembly and the federal government to see how the situation unfolds. The creation of the Committee of Eminent Nigerians could play a crucial role in mediating between the conflicting parties and ensuring that a lasting solution is found.
The proposed review of the emergency rule also raises questions about the future of Governor Fubara and the members of the state assembly. If peace is restored before the six-month period expires, the possibility of a swift return to normalcy in the state is high, and the leadership could be reinstated. However, if tensions continue, the suspension could be extended, and further measures may be necessary to ensure the stability of the region.
For now, the people of Rivers State, as well as the rest of Nigeria, will be waiting to see whether the ongoing efforts by the federal government and the National Assembly can bring the desired peace to the state.
