House of Reps further disclosed that the president also met with the security chiefs before reaching the decision
By Kehinde Okeowo
The House of Representatives has clarified assumptions that President Bola Tinubu acted alone when he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Speaking on the development, Spokesperson of the House of Reps, Akin Rotimi, said the president consulted the National Assembly before suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy and state lawmakers.
TheNiche had earlier reported that President Tínubu on Tuesday night declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the executive and legislative branches of the oil rich state following a prolonged political crisis.
He also nominated a retired vice-admiral, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the administrator, who will take charge of the state.
His decision, however, sparked widespread controversy and debate among Nigerians.
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While many questioned the constitutionality of the move, others expressed concerns about the potential implications for democracy and governance in the state.
Reacting to the controversy generated by the decision, Rotimi said the National Assembly was duly consulted by the president before reaching the decision.
According to him, Tinubu met with the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the house; Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker; Michael Bamidele, senate leader; and Julius Ihonvbere, leader of the house; and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), before the broadcast.
Rotimi further noted that Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police; Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the State Security Service; and Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; also attended the meeting.
“During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support,” the statement reads.
Rotimi added that Tinubu’s letter informing the house of representatives of his decision and seeking approval on the state of emergency in Rivers in line with section 305 of the constitution has been transmitted to the green chamber and would be read during plenary on Wednesday for further legislative action.
