The House of Representatives, granted approval for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, alongside the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly, as announced by President Bola Tinubu.
The approval, which came during Thursday’s plenary session, was confirmed through a voice vote.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, invited members to contribute to the consideration of the President’s report outlining the declaration.
During the debate, Benue lawmaker and Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, proposed the creation of a national mediation committee to facilitate peace between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The House subsequently approved this recommendation.
Meanwhile, the Minority Whip of the House, who also contributed to the debate, suggested that the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara and the state legislature should remain flexible.
“If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before the six months,” he stated.
The House approved this motion as well.
Earlier, Speaker Abbas had read a letter from President Tinubu informing the House of the emergency declaration in Rivers State.
Prior to this, the House had briefly adjourned into an executive session, lasting about 10 minutes.
A motion by Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha to halt the debate on the general principles of the letter, based on Section 305(6b) of the Constitution, which mandates a two-thirds quorum, was overruled by the Speaker.
More updates to follow.
