Despite
widespread opposition, the National Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The legislature dismissed objections from opposition leaders, legal experts,
and Niger Delta leaders under the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who
questioned the constitutionality of the move and its implications for the
region.
In an effort
to address concerns, the National Assembly amended the emergency rule,
recommending that the declaration be reviewed or terminated by the president at
any time within six months. It also proposed the establishment of a National
Reconciliation Committee comprising members of the executive, legislature, and
eminent Nigerians to resolve the crisis.
Sole
Administrator Takes Charge
Upon
assuming office, Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas
(retd) held a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Arriving at the Nigerian Airforce Base at 11:30 am, he was received by security
and federal officials before engaging in discussions to restore stability.
Addressing journalists, he assured that the situation was under control and
pledged to ensure complete normalcy.
Fubara
Denies Negligence
Suspended
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara refuted allegations of involvement in
recent pipeline attacks. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson
Chukwudi, he maintained that he took all necessary steps to prevent criminal
activities. This response followed President Tinubu’s nationwide address
accusing him of inaction.
Meanwhile,
the South-South Governors’ Forum, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri,
criticized the emergency rule, arguing that Rivers State’s situation did not
meet the constitutional threshold for such a declaration.
House of
Representatives Approves with Amendments
The House of
Representatives endorsed the emergency declaration but introduced three
amendments. It recommended a periodic review before the six-month period, the
formation of a National Reconciliation Committee, and the National Assembly’s
takeover of Rivers State’s legislative functions under Section 11(4) of the
Constitution.
Although
some lawmakers, including Hon. Obi Aguocha and Hon. Frederick Agbedi, raised
concerns over constitutional compliance, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen overruled them,
confirming that attendance requirements were met. The motion passed
overwhelmingly through a voice vote.
Senate
Unanimously Backs Emergency Rule
Following a
closed-door session, the Senate also endorsed the emergency rule through a
voice vote. Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that under Section 305(2)
of the Constitution, the proclamation was valid but could be reviewed within
six months. The Senate also agreed to establish a joint ad-hoc committee to
oversee Rivers State’s administration and facilitate reconciliation.
Before the
vote, a brief confrontation occurred between Akpabio and Senator Seriake
Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), who questioned the legality of the proceedings.
However, his objections were upheld, and the Senate proceeded to a closed
session where resolutions were finalized.
PANDEF
Condemns Emergency Rule
PANDEF
strongly criticized the declaration, calling it a betrayal of the Niger Delta.
In a joint statement, leaders including HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff and Victor Attah
accused President Tinubu of bias, noting that the move came just days after he
met with South-South stakeholders to discuss peace efforts.
PANDEF
questioned why an emergency was declared in Rivers while states in the North,
plagued by insecurity, remained unaffected. The group also pointed out that
ongoing court cases regarding the Rivers Assembly crisis should have been
resolved before such drastic action.
Opposition
Leaders Reject the Move
Former Vice
President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former governors Nasir
El-Rufai, Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Abdullahi Adamu condemned the
emergency rule and Fubara’s suspension. At a press conference, they urged
Tinubu to revoke what they described as an unconstitutional proclamation and
called on lawmakers to oppose it.
Tinubu
and APC Praise NASS Decision
President
Tinubu and the All-Progressives Congress (APC) commended the National Assembly
for prioritizing stability in Rivers State. In a statement, presidential
spokesman Bayo Onanuga emphasized that the emergency rule was necessary to
prevent further political crises and threats to oil and gas installations.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that the six-month measure aimed to restore governance
and security.
Legal
Challenge Against Tinubu and NASS Leaders
In response,
a legal practitioner and registered voters in Rivers State have filed a suit at
the Federal High Court in Abuja against President Tinubu, Senate President
Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas, and Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi. The lawsuit
challenges the legality of suspending an elected state government and
appointing a sole administrator.
The court
has yet to fix a hearing date, but the plaintiffs seek clarification on whether
Section 305 of the Constitution permits an emergency declaration over a state
dispute and whether the president can unilaterally remove elected officials.
As the legal
and political battles continue, the nation watches closely how the Rivers State
crisis unfolds in the coming months.
