National Assembly Approves Emergency Rule In Rivers , Ignores Condemnation By Labour , Opposition Leaders

Nigerian Senate on Thursday joined the House of Representatives in  approving  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.

Both chambers of the National Assembly gave the approval amidst condemnation of the emergency rule by the organized labour, leaders of opposition political parties including the 2023 presidential candidate of People's Democratic Party , Atiku Abubakar that of the Labour Party, Peter Obi among others 

The approval grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.

Per the Constitution, the National Assembly has also imposed a joint committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.

Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.

In a voice vote, the lawmakers backed Tinubu’s decision, two days after the President made the move.

Similarly Two hundred and forty House of Representative (240)members attended the preliminary which was presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

While deliberating on the decision, the House made some amendments including that a committee of eminent Nigerians will be set up to mediate on the matter.

They also noted that the National Assembly is empowered to make law for a state where its house of assembly is unable to perform its functions as against the Federal Government’s plan for the Federal Executive Council to take up that duty.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu wielded the big stick in Rivers, declaring a state of emergency in the state. He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months and appointed a sole administrator to take charge of the state in a move that has triggered a wave of criticisms.