House of Reps endorse President Tinubu’s declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers 

The decision was made during a plenary session attended by 243 lawmakers on Thursday, who voted in favor of the presidential proclamation aimed at addressing the escalating political unrest and violence in the oil-rich region.

During the plenary session, lawmakers debated the necessity and implications of the state of emergency.

The resolution to endorse the presidential proclamation was passed after extensive deliberations, with a majority of the 243 lawmakers in attendance voting in favor in a voice vote.

The House emphasized the need for immediate action to restore peace and order in Rivers State, which is crucial for the nation’s economic stability given its significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil production.

Several lawmakers expressed their support for the state of emergency, highlighting the urgent need to address the security challenges in Rivers State.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, yesterday during a press briefing, defended President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that the decision was timely and necessary to prevent a total collapse of governance and protect the nation’s critical economic interests.

President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following months of escalating political unrest and violence.

To oversee the state during this period, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the military administrator.

The president cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers him to declare a state of emergency in situations of national danger, disaster, or threats to public order and safety.