Rivers Emergency Rule: Reps Amend President’s Executive Order, Hon. Aguocha, Agbese, Ali Isah, Others Express Concern

The House of Representatives on Thursday amended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s order declaring state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy and members of the state house of assembly.

Considering the president’s letter requesting the approval that the legislators approve the emergency rule, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD allowed the lawmakers to make their contribution before subjecting it to voting.

However, before the commencement of debate, Hon. Obinna Aguocha (Labour Party, Abia State) raised a constitutional point of order, calling on Mr. Speaker and the entire House to adhere strictly to the procedure of approving the President’s request as enshrined in Section 305 subsection (6b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended which requires that two-thirds majority of Members support the request.

Aguocha noted that there should be headcount of the Members in the chamber before proceeding into voting to ensure that whatever they were doing was not rooted on illegality.

The Speaker said his point of order was noted and promised that record in the attendance register would be made known. The Speaker later announced that 243 Members were in attendance.

Similarly, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi (PDP Bayelsa State) reminded the House that Nigerians have confidence on Speaker Abbas leadership and nothing should be done at this time that will make Nigerians lose that confidence.

In his contribution, Hon. Philip Agbese (APC Benue State), recommended setting up a committee that will comprise Members of National Assembly, the Executive Arm and eminent Nigerians to address the crisis in Rivers State.

Hon. Ali Isa JC, House Minority Whip also sought an amendment that the President Tinubu review the state of emergency rule which could be one month, two months but not exceeding six months. In his recommendation, the state of emergency in Rivers State can be called off before six months.

The House approved the amendments through the voice vote. The House also adopted the proceedings of Thursday 20th March, 2025 before adjourning to next week Tuesday.

The Senate plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio also approved the President’s request