President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that he consulted with the National Assembly prior to announcing a state of emergency in Rivers State.
This decision follows a prolonged political crisis in the South-South state.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared the state of emergency and subsequently suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.
The president also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the new administrator for Rivers State.
A statement from Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, clarified that the National Assembly was properly consulted before the declaration was made.
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According to Rotimi, President Tinubu held a meeting with key National Assembly leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele, and House Leader Julius Ihonvbere.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Director-General of the State Security Service Adeola Ajayi, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed were also present during the meeting.
Rotimi’s statement further emphasized that all attendees were fully briefed on the president’s decision, and there was unanimous support for the state of emergency.
Additionally, Tinubu has formally submitted a letter to the House of Representatives, requesting approval for the state of emergency in accordance with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The letter is scheduled to be read in plenary on Wednesday for further legislative action.
