ABUJA, Nigeria — Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu consulted the National Assembly before declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The announcement comes amid growing criticism of the President’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis in the South-South state.
He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Rotimi clarified that the National Assembly leadership was fully briefed on the President’s decision and expressed unanimous support.
“The National Assembly was duly consulted by the President before reaching the decision,” Rotimi said.
He revealed that Tinubu met with the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Senate Leader Michael Bamidele; House Leader Julius Ihonvbere; and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
Also present at the meeting were Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun; Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) Adeola Ajayi; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Mohammed Mohammed.
“During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support,” Rotimi stated.
He added that Tinubu’s letter informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval for the state of emergency in Rivers State, in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted to the green chamber.
The letter is expected to be read during plenary on Wednesday for further legislative action.
The declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials have sparked widespread debate, with stakeholders questioning the constitutionality of the move.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have condemned the action, describing it as an assault on democracy.
However, the federal government has defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to prevent a collapse of governance in Rivers State.
