Nigerian lawmakers are facing mounting pressure to approve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, as stipulated by the constitution.
The proclamation, made on March 18, 2025, resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
The move was reportedly aimed at addressing escalating political tension and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism in the state.
Under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, such a declaration must be submitted to the National Assembly for approval within two days if in session, or within ten days if not, for it to remain valid.
As of Wednesday, neither the Senate nor the House of Representatives had addressed the issue, increasing pressure for a prompt resolution.
An anonymous source within the National Assembly disclosed that discussions are expected to commence on Thursday. “I can reliably tell you that the proclamation will be rectified on Thursday. Many of us have been approached,” the source revealed.
President Tinubu defended the emergency rule by emphasizing the political crisis in Rivers State, particularly accusations against Governor Fubara over the alleged demolition of the State House of Assembly building.
He also cited recent acts of pipeline vandalism, including a fire incident along the Trans Niger Pipeline, as part of the reasons for the intervention. “With all these and many more, no good and responsible president will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the constitution to address the situation in the state,” Tinubu stated.
Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State. Military forces were immediately deployed to the government house to maintain order, although the judiciary continued to operate normally during this period.
The proclamation has sparked considerable backlash. The Nigerian Bar Association condemned the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional.
Its president, Afam Osigwe, criticized the move, stating that it was not a justifiable application of emergency powers. Additionally, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called for the immediate reversal of the decision.
Opposition figures, including Dr. Reuben Abati, former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, have also weighed in on the matter.
Abati described the action as an “impeachable offence,” arguing that the President lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a governor unilaterally. He stressed that any state of emergency must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly, or it becomes null and void.
