National Assembly Confirms Tinubu Consulted Leadership Before Rivers State Emergency Declaration, Reveals Unanimous Support
The National Assembly has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu consulted its leadership before declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that has sparked widespread debate and criticism. During a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the emergency declaration, citing political instability and security concerns, and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr. revealed that the leadership of the National Assembly held a high-level meeting with President Tinubu and key security officials prior to the declaration. The meeting, which included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and other top lawmakers, saw unanimous support for the decision.
Details of the Consultation
According to the statement, President Tinubu briefed attendees on the escalating political turmoil and security breaches in Rivers State, including the destruction of critical national infrastructure. The meeting also included key security officials such as the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; 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.
“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 statement read.
It further explained that President Tinubu’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. The letter will be read during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and further legislative action will be debated and decided.
Unanimous Support from National Assembly Leadership
The statement emphasized that all attendees at the meeting expressed unanimous support for the emergency declaration. “During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support,” it noted.
The consultation and subsequent support from the National Assembly leadership aim to lend constitutional legitimacy to the emergency declaration, which has been met with fierce criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and political analysts.
Military Deployment to Rivers State Government House
Following the emergency declaration, President Tinubu deployed armed security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, to occupy the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows several military vans filled with armed operatives heading toward the Government House, signaling a dramatic escalation in the federal government’s intervention.
The deployment has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic governance and the potential for further unrest in the state. Critics argue that the move represents an overreach of federal power and could exacerbate tensions in Rivers State.
Roots of the Political Crisis
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Tensions began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, with Wike allegedly seeking to maintain control over the state’s political structure from Abuja.
The conflict escalated in December 2023 when 27 pro-Wike lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), giving Wike’s loyalists a legislative advantage. This led to a failed impeachment attempt against Fubara and the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in October 2023.
Implications of the Emergency Declaration
The emergency declaration and suspension of elected officials mark a significant shift in Rivers State’s governance structure. While the federal government argues that the move is necessary to restore stability, critics contend that it undermines democratic principles and sets a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state affairs.
The deployment of military forces and the appointment of an administrator to oversee the state’s affairs have further intensified the debate over the constitutionality and motives behind the emergency declaration.
Next Steps
As the National Assembly prepares to debate and decide on the emergency declaration during its plenary session on Wednesday, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments in Rivers State. The outcome of the legislative process will have far-reaching implications for the state’s political future and Nigeria’s federal structure.
Meanwhile, the federal government’s intervention has drawn attention to the broader challenges of political instability in Nigeria, particularly in states with deep-seated rivalries and power struggles. The situation in Rivers State serves as a stark reminder of the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution to political crises.
