President Bola Tinubu has officially requested approval from the House of Representatives for the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
The request, made under Section 305 of the Constitution, follows increasing security threats and political unrest in the oil-rich state.
Akin Rotimi, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, confirmed this development on Tuesday while responding to media inquiries. His statement was later shared by the Nigeria Television Authority on X.
According to Rotimi, Tinubu consulted with the leadership of the National Assembly and key security chiefs before making the decision.
“The leadership of the National Assembly met with Mr. President and the National Security Adviser ahead of the broadcast.
“Key security chiefs were also present and were fully briefed on the situation. All parties unanimously expressed their support,” Rotimi disclosed.
The president’s formal letter detailing his decision and seeking parliamentary approval has now been sent to the House of Representatives.
Rotimi added that the letter will be read during the House plenary session on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. He also noted that lawmakers will debate and decide on further legislative actions regarding the emergency rule.
The emergency declaration comes in response to rising incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, which the federal government claims were not effectively addressed by the state administration.
As a result, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers have been suspended. In their place, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has been appointed as the state’s administrator for an initial six-month period.
Under the emergency rule, the federal government has assumed control over the state’s governance and security operations. However, the move has sparked criticism from opposition figures and legal experts.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the decision as “political manipulation,” suggesting that it may have motives beyond security concerns.
