House of Representatives Ratifies State of Emergency in Rivers State

Legislators Approve Emergency Rule Amid Concerns Over Governance and Security

The House of Representatives has officially ratified the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State, following a unanimous voice vote by 243 members during Thursday’s plenary session. The approval, which aligns with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), was announced in a statement by the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.

The decision came after extensive deliberations and key amendments introduced by lawmakers, reflecting both support and reservations regarding the emergency proclamation.

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House Deliberates on Presidential Proclamation

Thursday’s session began with an executive meeting, in accordance with Order 16 of the House Standing Orders (Eleventh Edition). Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, read the President’s official communication outlining the reasons for imposing emergency rule in Rivers State.

To prioritize discussions on the issue, the House adopted a motion to suspend all other scheduled business for the day. House Majority Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, OON, DSSRS, provided members with a detailed briefing on the circumstances that led to the emergency declaration. He urged lawmakers to consider measures that would restore peace and governance in Rivers State.

During the debate, lawmakers expressed mixed views. Some supported the emergency declaration, citing the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect lives and property. However, concerns were also raised about the potential for abuse of executive power and the infringement of fundamental human rights. Several members called for strict legislative oversight to prevent excesses in the implementation of the emergency rule.

Key Amendments to the Proclamation

After thorough discussions, the House ratified the State of Emergency with key amendments designed to balance security concerns with democratic oversight. The notable amendments include:

1. Formation of a National Mediation Committee: A group of eminent Nigerians, including representatives from both the Federal Executive and Legislature, will be established to facilitate dialogue and find a lasting resolution to the crisis.
2. Legislative Oversight Under Sections 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution: The National Assembly will assume lawmaking functions for Rivers State if necessary, ensuring governance continuity and order.
3. Periodic Reviews of the Emergency Rule: Within the first six months, periodic assessments will be conducted to determine whether the emergency rule should be lifted earlier if stability is restored.

Unanimous Decision and Next Steps

The amended proclamation was ratified through a voice vote, with no opposition recorded among the 243 members present—representing two-thirds of the House’s total membership. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen confirmed the attendance and legitimacy of the vote.

Following the ratification, the House adjourned its plenary session to Tuesday, March 24, 2025, signaling the next phase of legislative oversight on the emergency rule’s implementation.

As political tensions persist in Rivers State, all eyes remain on the federal and state governments to see how the emergency measures will be enforced and whether they will lead to a resolution of the ongoing crisis.