The House of Representatives has approved President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months. Lawmakers debated mediation efforts, but the suspension was upheld.
The House of Representatives has given the green light to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly.
The approval, secured through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session, came after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presented Tinubu’s proclamation for debate. Lawmakers discussed the political turmoil in Rivers, with some urging mediation between Fubara and the state assembly. Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese proposed a national mediation committee to facilitate reconciliation, a motion that the House accepted.
Meanwhile, the Minority Whip of the House recommended that the six-month suspension should not be rigid. He suggested lifting the emergency rule if peace is restored, an amendment that lawmakers also approved.
The decision follows weeks of political crisis in Rivers State, where a power struggle between Governor Fubara and the state assembly—reportedly influenced by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—led to tensions. President Tinubu’s intervention was framed as an effort to restore stability, but the move has sparked controversy. Some opposition lawmakers questioned the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, citing concerns over due process.
Despite these concerns, the House proceeded with the approval, and Tinubu’s letter notifying lawmakers of the decision was officially recorded. With the suspension in place, governance in Rivers State will now operate under federal oversight, raising questions about the long-term implications for democracy in Nigeria.
