Amid the controversy surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has confirmed that the National Assembly was duly consulted before the extraordinary measure was announced.
Speaking on the matter, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., clarified that the executive arm of government engaged in extensive consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly before suspending the state government and appointing a sole administrator to oversee affairs.
Legislative Backing for the Emergency Declaration
According to Rep. Rotimi, President Tinubu acted within the legal framework of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in invoking emergency powers to safeguard governance, security, and stability in the oil-rich state.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was not done arbitrarily. It followed extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the leadership of the National Assembly. President Tinubu’s decision was guided by constitutional provisions, and he acted in the best interest of national security and democratic stability,” he stated.
This clarification comes amid criticism from political opponents and legal experts questioning the legality and necessity of the move. Some have argued that the President’s decision to suspend an elected government raises constitutional concerns, while others insist that the escalating political crisis in Rivers State made such intervention unavoidable.
Crisis in Rivers State: A Background
The political turbulence in Rivers State stems from a prolonged power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The rival factions have been locked in a fierce battle for political dominance, leading to violent clashes, the factionalization of the state House of Assembly, and allegations of constitutional breaches.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability, breakdown of law and order, and governance paralysis as key reasons for the intervention. The decision led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
As part of the emergency measures, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the Sole Administrator to temporarily manage the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored.
The House of Representatives’ confirmation of prior consultation with the National Assembly aims to address concerns over the legality of the emergency declaration. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape.
While supporters of the move argue that it was necessary to prevent Rivers State from descending into further chaos, critics—including opposition leaders and legal analysts—have described it as a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic governance.
Some lawmakers from opposition parties have insisted that the President should have sought direct parliamentary approval before taking such drastic action. However, Rep. Rotimi reaffirmed that the President followed due process and acted within his constitutional powers.
As Nigeria watches closely, the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State continues to test the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions, setting the stage for intense legal and political debates in the coming weeks.
