The House of Representatives ratified the declaration of State of Emergency proclaimed by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.
The approval of the House followed a unanimous voice vote by 243 members present at plenary on Thursday in accordance with Section 305 of the Constitution after extensive deliberations and key amendments introduced.
The amendments introduced by the Green Chamber included the constitution of a National Mediation Committee comprising eminent Nigerians, including representatives from the Federal Executive and Legislature, to facilitate dialogue and resolution during the emergency period.
The House also called for the adoption of Sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution which provides for the National Assembly to take over the lawmaking functions of a State House of Assembly if deemed necessary to restore order and governance in the state.
It also suggested periodic review of the emergency rule within the initial six-month duration as declared by the President, with the possibility of early termination if peace is sufficiently restored.
TheHintsNews reports that Tinubu had on Tuesday suspended Governor Siminilayi Fubara and the members of the state House of Assembly following a protracted political crisis in the state.
At plenary, the House adopted a motion to stand down all other business scheduled in the Order Paper for Thursday, allowing for robust deliberation on the President’s request after the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, briefed members on the circumstances necessitating the emergency rule and rallied the House on the need to move Rivers State forward.
During the debate, some members supported the State of Emergency, citing the necessity of deploying additional security resources to restore order and protect lives and property.
However, concerns were raised about the potential for abuse of power and implications for fundamental human rights, prompting calls for strict legislative oversight to ensure lawful implementation and adherence to the stated objectives.