Senate, Reps Okays State of Emergency in Rivers

The Senate has approved the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

The decision was taken after a closed door session by lawmakers on Thursday.

Also, the House of Representatives has approved the proclamation of State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

The House in a voice vote by two hundred and forty three (243) members however amended the motion moved by the majority leader Professor Julius Inhonvbere during debate on the declaration of State of Emergency.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Phillip Agbese, called for the inauguration of a National Peace and reconciliatory committee to mediate among the parties involved in political crisis in Rivers State.

The House in a motion by a member from Delta State, Ben Etanabene, approved the taken over of the legislative activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly in line with the section 11 subsection 4 of the Constitution.

The House in another amendment by the Deputy urged President Bola Tinubu to review the Status of the State of Emergency within the given six months earlier announced by the President.

The Green Chamber earlier Thursday received a Letter on the declaration of State of Emergency from President Bola Tinubu and was read in the floor of the House by the Speaker House of Representatives Dr Tajudeen Abbas for the members to debate.

 Nigerians have aired different opinions over the Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu 

 Some said the Declaration by President Tinubu was in line with the constitutional provisions while others described President Tinubu’s action as unconstitutional.

President Tinubu on Tuesday night in a live broadcast declared State of Emergency in Rivers State citing break down of law and order arising from Political crisis in the State.

In the declaration President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and Members of Rivers State House of Assembly for initial period of six months.

President Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as sole administrator for the period of six months