National Assembly Bows to Akpabio and Abass’ Pressure, Approves Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers

The National Assembly has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State despite widespread controversy over the process used to secure legislative backing.

Before the approval, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass came under fire for allegedly attempting to secure a two-thirds majority vote through WhatsApp voice messages instead of a formal voting process. According to a senator who leaked the information to human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, the move was seen as an attempt to bypass constitutional requirements and force lawmakers into compliance, according to Sahara Reporters.

There is an urgent need to let Nigerians know that both Akpabio and Abass plan to use a voice vote this morning to pass the emergency vote. This is contrary to the 1999 Constitution as amended, which stipulates a two-thirds vote, the senator reportedly stated.

The state of emergency, declared by President Tinubu on Tuesday night, was justified by the presidency as necessary to address political unrest in Rivers. The crisis escalated after Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration was accused of demolishing the State House of Assembly building. While critics argue that the emergency declaration violates constitutional procedures,

The House of Representatives went ahead and approved it with an amendment. The amendment, moved by Minority Whip Ali Isa JC, states that the emergency rule can be reviewed at any time should there be signs of crisis resolution without necessarily waiting for the six months prescribed in the original proclamation.

Prominent voices have condemned the emergency rule. Former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Reuben Abati, described Tinubu’s action as an “impeachable offence,” insisting that the power to declare such an emergency lies solely with the National Assembly.

Similarly, during a press conference in Abuja, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar demanded the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other suspended officials.

We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor and State Assembly of Rivers State.

However, like the House of Representatives, the Senate has also approved President Tinubu’s state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution. The approval grants President Tinubu the authority to implement emergency measures while requiring a periodic review of the situation, with a mandatory reassessment no later than six months.

In line with constitutional provisions, the National Assembly has also mandated forming a joint committee from both chambers to oversee the affairs in Rivers State throughout the emergency period.

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