ABUJA, Nigeria — The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers State, following a voice vote during plenary on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The approval comes amid controversy over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
The House’s decision was made despite concerns about the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority vote, as stipulated in Section 305 of the Constitution.
With 360 members in the House, at least 240 votes were needed to approve the emergency proclamation.
However, the House relied on a voice vote, which does not provide a clear count of votes, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process.
Before the debate on the President’s request, Obi Aguocha from Abia raised a point of order, insisting that the constitutional procedures must be followed.
He cited Section 305(6)(b), which mandates that the President’s request must be approved by a two-thirds majority of House members.
“We must comply strictly with the Constitution,” Aguocha said.
However, lawmakers interrupted him with shouts of “sit down!”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also asked Aguocha to take his seat, stating that a register would verify the number of lawmakers present.
Fred Agbedi from Bayelsa supported Aguocha’s argument, emphasising the need for transparency.
“In the interest of transparency, the quorum should be announced to assure Nigerians of our commitment to openness,” Agbedi said.
The Speaker noted the point of order but proceeded with the debate.
Idris Wase from Plateau argued that the numbers would only be necessary at the voting stage, not during the debate.
During the debate, Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, highlighted the severity of the crisis in Rivers State.
He recommended the establishment of a National Peace and Reconciliation Committee, comprising members from the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders, to mediate between the warring factions.
Etanabene Benedict from Delta proposed that the Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, should report to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council.
Ali Isa, the Deputy Minority Whip, suggested that the President should have the authority to terminate or review the state of emergency at any time during the initial six-month period if the crisis is resolved.
All three recommendations were approved by the House.
Speaker Abbas then announced that 243 lawmakers were present, based on the attendance register. He put the President’s request to a voice vote, with the majority responding with “aye.” A few “nay” votes were heard in the background.
