Reps begin debate on Tinubu’s emergency rule request

The house of representatives has commenced debate on President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers state.

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, read Tinubu’s letter during plenary on Thursday.

The president appealed to the lawmakers to “expeditiously consider” his request.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the protracted political crisis.

The president controversially suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all house assembly members for six months.

Tinubu has since appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral and former chief of naval staff, as the administrator for the state.

For the emergency rule to take effect, section 305 (2) of the constitution states that the president must transmit the proclamation to the senate president and the speaker of the house of representatives.

With 360 members in the green chamber and 109 in the red chamber, Tinubu needs at least 240 votes in the house of reps and 73 in the senate for his proclamation to stand.