News

Tinubu informed NASS of intention to declare State of Emergency in Rivers-House Spokesperson

Published

9 hours ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

The House of Representatives said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consulted its members before arriving at the decision to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said a letter informing the House of the decision has been received and will be read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at plenary on Wednesday.

The statement reads: “In response to multiple inquiries, I can confirm that the National Assembly was duly consulted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in reaching this decision.

“The leadership of the National Assembly — including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON; the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON; and the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere— met with the President and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, ahead of the broadcast.

“Also in attendance were key security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, and the 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.

“Furthermore, Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and further legislative action debated and decided.”

News

BREAKING! Sole Administrators to manage Rivers LGs

Published

23 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

2 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.