The House of Representatives has officially approved the state of emergency in Rivers State, endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation to suspend Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months.
The approval came during a plenary session on Thursday, following a voice vote from members of House of Representatives. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presided over the session, calling on lawmakers to deliberate on the general principles of the President’s report.
House of Representatives Approves Rivers State Emergency Rule
During the deliberation, Benue lawmaker and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, proposed the establishment of a National Mediation Committee to facilitate peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The House adopted this recommendation.
Similarly, the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives suggested that the six-month suspension of the governor and the legislature should not be rigid. He argued that if peace is reached between the conflicting parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before the six-month period elapses. The House agreed and approved this motion.
President Tinubu’s Letter to the House on Rivers State Crisis
Earlier in the session, Speaker Abbas read a letter from President Bola Tinubu, notifying the House of Representatives of his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. However, before reading the letter, the House of Representatives went into an executive session for about ten minutes.
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- https://www.thecheernews.com/governors-oppose-state-of-emergency-in-rivers-state-call-for-rescission/
An attempt by Abia lawmaker, Obi Agwuncha, to halt the debate on the president’s proclamation was overruled by the Speaker. Agwuncha cited Section 305(6b) of the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the House needed a two-thirds majority of its members present before deliberating on the issue. However, the Speaker insisted that the debate should proceed as planned.
Why the State of Emergency in Rivers State Was Declared
The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified due to an ongoing dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The disagreement has led to heightened political tension, security concerns, and threats to governance stability in the oil-rich state.
President Tinubu, in his letter, emphasized that the state of emergency in Rivers State was necessary to restore peace and order. The Federal Government maintains that the action is aimed at protecting the security and welfare of citizens, given the escalating political conflict.
Mixed Reactions to Rivers State Emergency Rule
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked controversy and divided opinions across political and civil society groups.
- Opposition political leaders, including former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have strongly condemned the move, urging the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule.
- The South-South Governors’ Forum also opposed the decision, arguing that it does not meet the constitutional requirements for such an action.
- Legal experts and human rights organizations have questioned the legality and necessity of suspending a democratically elected governor and legislators without following constitutional procedures.
What Happens Next in Rivers State?
With the House of Representatives granting its approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State, the following developments are expected:
- The six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly remains in effect unless peace is brokered earlier.
- A national mediation committee will be set up to resolve the crisis between the governor and the state legislature.
- The emergency rule may be lifted before six months if both parties agree to a peaceful resolution.
- Federal authorities may appoint an interim administrator to oversee governance in the state during the period of emergency rule.
Conclusion
The approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. While some believe it is necessary to restore order, others see it as a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy. The coming months will determine the impact of this decision on the governance, security, and political future of Rivers State.
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