By The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State, with an important amendment.
As part of the resolution, the House stated that while the emergency rule is set for six months, it can be reviewed at any time if significant progress is made in resolving the political crisis.
The amendment was moved by the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa JC, who proposed that the president should assess the situation periodically and lift the emergency rule once stability is restored.
Speaking after the plenary, Hon. Ali Isa JC reiterated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not been impeached and that the Rivers State House of Assembly remains intact.
In an interview, he explained the House’s position on the matter:
“As representatives of the people, we carefully deliberated on this issue. While certain steps should have been taken earlier, we believe that in situations like this, decisive action is necessary.”
Drawing a parallel with President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, he recalled how the doctrine of necessity was used to address a constitutional crisis. He emphasized that a similar structured approach is needed in Rivers State to prevent chaos and ensure governance continuity.
“Almost all lawmakers supported the resolution, and the National Assembly will closely monitor developments in the state to ensure that due process is followed,”he added.
Responding to concerns about whether the legislature was granting the president powers to impeach or suspend elected officials, Ali Isa clarified:
“Governor Fubara remains in office, and the State Assembly has not been dissolved. The Constitution allows the president to intervene in emergencies but does not give him the power to impeach elected officials.”
On financial matters, he stated that the House had not yet discussed the Supreme Court ruling or the release of withheld local government funds. However, he stressed that all government expenditures must receive legislative approval.
“No funds will be spent, and no projects will be implemented without proper appropriation. Financial accountability is crucial, and every expenditure must go through the National Assembly,”he asserted.
With tensions still high in Rivers State, the National Assembly has committed to overseeing the implementation of the emergency rule and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.
