The House of Representatives has finally approved the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The approval was given during the plenary session on Thursday and was attended by 243 members.
President Tinubu had on Tuesday proclaimed state of emergency in Rivers State over the political logjam between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers House of Assembly.
Following the declaration of the state of emergency, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy and members of the state assembly for six months.
He, however, appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as a sole administrator to take charge of the state during the period.
However, according to the Constitution, two-thirds of the National Assembly need to consent to the rule for it to take effect.
After an hour of debate, the speaker, Abbas Tajuddeen, put it to a voice vote, and the majority had the day.
Abbas later announced that 243 members attended the sitting based on the attendance register for the day.
The House recommended that a national committee should be set up to mitigate and restore peace to Rivers State.
Secondly, the National Assembly should take over the activities of the state Assembly within six months.
Details later…
