The spokesperson for the House of Representatives Akin Rotimi, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu consulted the National Assembly before declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. The declaration was made on Tuesday, following the ongoing political crisis in the state.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu also suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly. Additionally, the president nominated retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the new administrator for Rivers State.
In his statement, Rotimi emphasized that the National Assembly was “duly consulted” by the president before he made the announcement. Tinubu reportedly met with the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss the situation in Rivers State.
Also present at the meeting were key security officials, including Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) Adeola Ajayi, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Mohammed Mohammed.
Rotimi noted that the meeting was productive, with all attendees being fully briefed on President Tinubu’s intentions. He stated that the meeting concluded with unanimous support from all present for the president’s decision.
Furthermore, Rotimi confirmed that the president’s letter informing the House of Representatives about his decision and seeking approval for the state of emergency in Rivers, in line with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, has been sent to the Green Chamber. The letter will be read during Wednesday’s plenary for further legislative action.
