Nigerian House Of Reps Engages In Heated Exchange Ahead Of Rivers State Emergency Rule Debate

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Tensions escalated in the Nigerian House of Representatives on Wednesday, as members engaged in a heated exchange prior to the scheduled debate on President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The green chamber witnessed a particularly intense confrontation between two female lawmakers, Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) and Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers), who vocally clashed over the constitutionality of the President’s decision to impose emergency rule in the South-South state.

The altercation occurred before the official commencement of the plenary session, drawing the attention of other legislators.

It required the intervention of their colleagues to prevent the situation from escalating further.

This parliamentary discord follows President Tinubu’s announcement on Tuesday, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State due to prolonged political instability and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism.

The President’s proclamation included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

To administer the state during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator.

In response to the President’s actions, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, confirmed that Tinubu had formally notified the National Assembly through a letter, seeking approval for the state of emergency in line with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Rotimi stated that the President’s letter would be read during the plenary session on Wednesday, after which further legislative actions would be deliberated.

The declaration has elicited mixed reactions across the political spectrum. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, labeling it as unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential powers.

The PDP argues that the situation in Rivers does not warrant such extreme measures and views the action as part of a broader plot to impose a siege mentality across Nigeria, potentially undermining the nation’s democracy.

Conversely, the Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed support for the President’s decision.

The Assembly’s Speaker emphasized that the President’s actions were in the best interest of the country and urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm during this transitional period.

The Speaker assured constituents that the Assembly would cooperate with the appointed sole administrator to ensure stability and effective governance in the state.

As the House of Representatives prepares to debate the President’s proclamation, the nation watches closely, recognizing that the outcome will have significant implications for the governance and stability of Rivers State.