National Assembly Confirms Tinubu Consulted Leaders Before Rivers Emergency, Akpabio, Others Supported

• National Assembly backs up State of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

The National Assembly has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consulted its leadership before declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. The House confirmed that the actions of the President were duly backed by the leadership of the House as top members offered unanimous support for it.

The declaration of State of Emergency on Rivers State which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all 27 members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months has been met with fierce criticism and widespread debate.

The Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday stated that the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, met with President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu prior to the emergency declaration.

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READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara

In his statement, Rotimi explained that  President Tinubu briefed the attendees on his intention to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the escalating political turmoil and security breaches that have led to the destruction of critical national infrastructure.

Rotimi emphasized that all attendees unanimously supported the President’s decision.

He said,”In response to multiple inquiries, I can confirm that the National Assembly was duly consulted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in reaching this decision.

“The leadership of the National Assembly—including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON; the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON; and the House Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, OON, DSSRS—met with the President and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, ahead of the broadcast.

Also in attendance were key security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.

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

Rotimi further confirmed that President Tinubu formally notified the House of Representatives of his decision, seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution. This letter is scheduled to be read during the plenary session on Wednesday, March 19, followed by legislative deliberations.

Meanwhile, Daily Report Nigeria have gathered that the military has taken over the Rivers State Government House following the suspension of Governor Fubara.

Additionally, the National Assembly is expected to debate the President’s proclamation during the upcoming plenary session, as required by the Constitution. This process will determine the legislative branch’s stance on the emergency measures implemented in Rivers State.