National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, reinforcing the federal government’s move to stabilize the crisis-hit state.
The lawmakers gave their approval through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, with over 240 members present.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who read the president’s letter before the deliberation, confirmed that the required quorum was met before the vote.
“The House has spoken with one voice. The president’s request has been given due consideration, and the approval reflects our commitment to restoring order in Rivers State,” a lawmaker who participated in the plenary stated.
President Tinubu had on Tuesday suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly members for six months as part of the emergency measures aimed at addressing the deepening political crisis in the state.
Two days later, he sought parliamentary approval, as required by law.Attention now shifts to the Senate, which is expected to deliberate on the matter later today.
Observers say the decision by the National Assembly will set a major precedent in the federal government’s handling of political instability in states.
