A heated argument broke out between two lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Wednesday over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The clash occurred between Marie Ebikake, who represents Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, and Blessing Amadi, who represents Port Harcourt Two Federal Constituency of Rivers State.
Both lawmakers were engaged in a discussion about the ongoing political crisis in Rivers when their conversation quickly turned into a loud exchange.
Eyewitnesses noted that before the plenary session began, Ebikake and Amadi, along with other lawmakers, were debating the situation in Rivers State. However, the discussion soon escalated as both women raised their voices and pointed fingers at each other, drawing attention from their colleagues.
The dispute followed President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday. According to reports, Tinubu took this step due to the prolonged political crisis and the paralysis of governance in the state.
In a nationwide broadcast, the President stated, “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.”
He further explained that 14 months after Governor Sim Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly, the building had still not been reconstructed. Despite interventions from various stakeholders, including himself, no resolution had been reached.
To restore stability, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency,” Tinubu stated.
The President’s decision has sparked mixed reactions among politicians and citizens alike, with some supporting the move while others criticize it as excessive.
Adding to the already tense situation, an explosion was reported at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area on the same day the emergency was declared. Additionally, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), caught fire, further raising concerns over security and stability in the state.
