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Fani-Kayode commends Tinubu over declaration of emergency rule in Rivers

Published

9 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, following months of political turmoil in the state.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Fani-Kayode praised the President’s decision, likening it to a father intervening in a dispute among his children.

He wrote, “The declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State is a bold and commendable move that will restore peace and stability. I also believe it will bring the major players in the crisis back to their senses. When children refuse to stop fighting, the father must step in lest they burn the house down.”

The crisis in Rivers State had escalated in recent weeks, prompting Tinubu to take decisive action. As part of the emergency measures, the president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Announcing the suspension, Tinubu said, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”

To oversee the state’s affairs, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas as Administrator, tasked with restoring order and ensuring governance continues in the interest of Rivers residents.

The declaration has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters praising it as necessary for stability, while critics argue it raises concerns about executive overreach.

News

BREAKING! Sole Administrators to manage Rivers LGs

Published

34 minutes ago

March 19, 2025

Naijablitznews

Sole administrators to be appointed by the state administrator to head each local government area in Rivers state.

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News

BREAKING: 2 Female House Members Clash Over State of Emergency in Rivers State

Published

2 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of Wednesday plenary session, tension flared in the House of Representatives as two female lawmakers engaged in a heated argument.

Rep. Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers State) and Rep. Marie Ebikake (PDP Bayelsa State) were seen raising their voices at each other, with the disagreement linked to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, which led to the suspension of Governor Similayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Naijablitznews.com observed Rep. Ebikake reading aloud from the Nigerian Constitution while Rep. Amadi, appearing visibly agitated, pointed at her colleague in disagreement.

Also in one instance, other lawmakers were seen in groups engaging in heated conversations, and Rep. Kama Nkemkama, a lawmaker from Ebonyi State was seen banging on a table before walking away in frustration

Meanwhile, the President is expected to formally transmit a correspondence to the National Assembly within two days, seeking legislative consent for the emergency rule. The matter is expected to dominate discussions at the plenary session.

News

Reps to Debate President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers At Wednesday Plenary

Published

3 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives is set to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This follows constitutional provisions that require the National Assembly to consider such a proclamation within two days if in session or within ten days if not.

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Patrick Umoh, in an interview on the News @10 on Nigeira Television Authority (NTA) explained that Wednesday plenary session will focus on the validity of the declaration and whether it aligns with the constitutional provisions.

Umoh emphasised that the president’s decision was made in response to threats to order and peace, as permitted under the Constitution.

“The President has done so, and there are reasons why this has been done, which are now public knowledge. It is the obligation of Parliament to consider the validity or otherwise of such a proclamation and then take our decision,” Umoh stated.

He also clarified that the House has the power to extend the state of emergency beyond six months if necessary, in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.

According to the lawmaker, he debate, will be conducted in collaboration with the Senate, given Nigeria’s bicameral legislative structure.

Addressing concerns that the state of emergency might lead to militarization and suspension of democratic structures in Rivers, Umoh disagreed with such views, insisting that the president’s decision aligns with democratic principles.

“I can’t concede to the argument of militarization. The decision to declare a state of emergency is in compliance with the Constitution. It is the discretion of Mr. President to appoint who administers the state where the declaration has been made,” he said.

On the possibility that the National Assembly might reject the declaration, Umoh noted that such a decision would mean the emergency rule cannot stand, as the Constitution requires legislative approval.

“If today the decision of Parliament does not go in sync with the declaration of the president, then the decision of emergency cannot stand. That’s the provision of the Constitution,” he stressed.

With the House expected to debate and take a resolution today, all eyes are on the National Assembly to determine the next steps in Rivers State.