Tinubu consulted n’assembly before declaring emergency in Rivers, says reps spokesperson

Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house of representatives, says President Bola Tinubu consulted the national assembly before announcing a state of emergency in Rivers state.

On Tuesday, the president declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

Tinubu also suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the state assembly.

The president nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the administrator of Rivers state.

In a statement, Rotimi said the national assembly “was duly consulted” by the president before reaching the decision.

He said Tinubu met with the leadership of the national assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the house; Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker; Michael Bamidele, senate leader; and Julius Ihonvbere, leader of the house; and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), before the broadcast.

Rotimi said Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP); Adeola Ajayi, director-general of the State Security Service (SSS); and Mohammed Mohammed, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), also attended the meeting.

“During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support,” the statement reads.

Rotimi added that Tinubu’s letter informing the house of representatives of his decision and seeking approval on the state of emergency in Rivers in line with section 305 of the constitution has been transmitted to the green chamber and would be read during plenary on Wednesday for further legislative action.