President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the House of Representatives, requesting legislative approval for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The request, made in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution, follows escalating security concerns and political instability in the oil-rich state.
Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, confirmed the development in response to media inquiries on Tuesday.
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The news was also shared in a report by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on X later Tuesday night.
Rotimi revealed that Tinubu consulted with the leadership of the National Assembly before making his decision.
“The leadership of the National Assembly met with Mr. President and the National Security Adviser ahead of the broadcast. Key security chiefs were also present and were fully briefed on the situation. All parties unanimously expressed their support,” he stated.
The President’s formal letter, informing lawmakers of his decision and seeking their approval, has now been transmitted to the House of Representatives.
According to Rotimi, the letter will be read during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
“Further legislative action will be debated and decided on the floor,” he added.
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Tinubu had earlier justified the declaration, citing the increasing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, which he argued had not been effectively addressed by the state government.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers were suspended. In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator for an initial six-month period.
The state of emergency grants the Federal Government temporary authority over the state’s governance, including the deployment of security forces as deemed necessary.