The House of Representatives on Thursday, March 19, 2025, passed a resolution endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State following a prolonged political crisis in the State.
The decision, which came amid widespread controversy and political tension, signalled legislative backing for the president’s move to suspend the state’s governor, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly
The decision was taken at a plenary session where lawmakers debated the emergency rule imposed amid the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, confirmed that 240 lawmakers attended the session, thereby satisfying the requirement for quorum.
The motion for the approval of the State of Emergency was supported by Hon. Odinaka Miriam Onuoha, representing Okigwe North federal constituency of Imo State, who however canvassed for a reduction in the six-month suspension period imposed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other affected officials.
She said; “I rise to second this motion as moved by my brother that this house does support the proclamation. In view that, it should be reduced shorter than the six months period, when the two parties come to the table. Whether it is tomorrow or earlier than that. I so second the motion”.
With the legislative endorsement, it has effectively solidified the Federal Government’s control of the State’s administration under emergency rule.
This is coming despite opposition from political leaders, civil society groups, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who led a joint press conference earlier on Thursday to denounce the action as a “malicious” power grab.
Also, ahead of the lower legislative Chamber’s plenary, the Labour Party (LP) Presidential flag-bearer in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi had offered his thoughts on the current development in Rivers State.
Writing on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the former Anambra State Governor specifically directed his message to LP’s Lawmakers thus; “My dear brothers and sisters,
Members of the Labour Party in the National Assembly,
“Since your inauguration as Distinguished, and Honorable members of the National Assembly, I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
“However, at this critical juncture — following 26 years of a deteriorating democratic process marked by disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders — I find it necessary to address you. These unconstitutional actions have far-reaching negative implications for our democracy and the will of the people.
“I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.
“We must not allow ourselves to become instruments of injustice or contribute to the betrayal of the people’s mandate. At this moment, we must prioritize what is right over what is wrong or convenient, remaining steadfast in defending the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
“Together, let us stand firm in our resolve — because a new Nigeria is possible!” — PO
This latest development is expected to further generate more controvercies as political stakeholders and civil society groups are questioning the need for an emergency rule in Rivers State when the conditions precedent are absent.
Critics argue that the move is a calculated attempt to suppress opposition forces and tighten federal control over the governance of the State.
