Rivers Crisis: Heated Exchanges Rock House of Reps as Lawmakers Set to Debate Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration

Tensions flared in the House of Representatives on Wednesday morning as lawmakers engaged in a shouting match ahead of the scheduled debate on the emergency rule declared in Rivers State. The confrontation erupted even before the commencement of plenary, reflecting the deep divisions over President Bola Tinubu’s controversial move.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State following a prolonged political crisis. As part of the emergency measures, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly. Tinubu also appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to administer the state.

According to Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the House, Tinubu consulted the National Assembly prior to making the declaration. The president held a closed-door meeting with key figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Also present were the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, SSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, and NIA Director-General Mohammed Mohammed.

Rotimi confirmed that the president’s letter seeking the House’s approval for the emergency rule, as required under Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted to the chamber and will be formally read during Wednesday’s session.

The House is currently in session, with the debate on the emergency rule expected to take center stage amid high tensions.