National Assembly Backs Tinubu’s Rivers State Emergency Amidst Fubara’s Rejection of Sabotage Allegations, Sole Administrator Assumes Office, and Opposition Voices Strong Dissent in Deepening Political Crisis.
The National Assembly, in a decisive move, has ratified President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The endorsement, secured through separate plenary sessions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, comes amidst escalating political tensions and conflicting narratives surrounding the state’s leadership.
The legislative chambers, exercising their constitutional powers under Section 305(2), overwhelmingly approved President Tinubu’s proclamation. The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, and the House of Representatives, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, both emphasized the urgency of addressing the prevailing crisis.
In addition to endorsing the emergency declaration, the National Assembly recommended the formation of a national mediation committee, comprised of eminent Nigerians, to facilitate dialogue between the warring factions in Rivers State. The Senate further directed the President to review or terminate the state of emergency within six months, while the House of Representatives emphasized that the President could review the state of emergency at any time, if peace is achieved. The House also confirmed that 243 lawmakers were present and voted.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose suspension triggered the emergency declaration, broke his silence to vehemently deny allegations of orchestrating attacks on oil installations and neglecting the reconstruction of the state House of Assembly.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara attributed the unrest to inflammatory remarks made by Minister Nyesom Wike, claiming they incited militant threats. He also clarified that the demolition of the Assembly complex was conducted based on expert advice due to integrity issues.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), the appointed Sole Administrator, assumed office and immediately asserted his commitment to restoring law and order in Rivers State. In a statewide broadcast, Ibas warned against any further attacks on oil installations and pledged to uphold the rule of law. He emphasized his non-partisan role and vowed to serve as a unifying force in the state.
The National Assembly’s decision faced strong opposition from prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who urged lawmakers to reject the emergency declaration. The South-South Governors’ Forum also called for the reversal of the proclamation, arguing that the situation in Rivers State did not warrant such drastic measures.
Rivers elders and leaders council expressed deep concern for Fubara’s safety, alleging that his whereabouts were unknown. Meanwhile, the Concerned Civil Society Organisations in Rivers State refuted the Attorney General of the Federation’s claims linking Fubara to security threats, demanding evidence to support the allegations.
President Tinubu, in response, lauded the National Assembly for its “decisive and patriotic ratification” of the emergency rule proclamation. He asserted that the move was a critical step in restoring stability and safeguarding national economic security.
He commended the lawmakers for prioritizing the security and welfare of the people of Rivers State and emphasized the necessity of the emergency measure to prevent further escalation of the crisis. He also affirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the National Assembly to promote peace and development.
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