The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly for six months.
The approval was given through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
During deliberations, Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese proposed the establishment of a national mediation committee to resolve the political crisis between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly — a motion that was adopted by the House.
Minority Whip Ali Isa also suggested that the suspension and emergency rule should be subject to review if peace is achieved earlier than expected.
The House agreed that the emergency rule could be lifted before the end of six months if both parties reach a resolution.
Earlier, Speaker Abbas read a letter from President Tinubu formally notifying the House of the emergency declaration.
Before the letter was presented, lawmakers held a closed-door executive session lasting about 10 minutes.
An attempt by Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha to halt the debate — citing Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority for such approval — was overruled by the Speaker.