The Nigerian House of Representatives will today, Wednesday, March 19, discuss and take action on the state of emergency declared on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekiti), the House spokesperson, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, stating that President Tinubu had formally informed the House of his decision in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution.
“Mr. President’s official letter, notifying the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval as required by the Constitution, has been received.
It will be read during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, followed by a debate and further legislative action,” Rotimi said.
The declaration follows ongoing political tensions between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State.
In a live broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of the state, while the judiciary remains operational.
The political crisis in Rivers has been partly linked to the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a key political figure in the state.
Rep. Rotimi assured that the National Assembly was consulted before the emergency declaration.
He added that legislative leaders had met with President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other security chiefs prior to the announcement.
The House of Representatives is expected to deliberate on the matter today and decide on the next steps.
