The National Assembly has confirmed that it was consulted prior to President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In light of the extensive inquiries regarding the emergency declaration, the National Assembly stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu properly consulted its leadership before arriving at his decision.
On Tuesday, House Spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. revealed that prominent members of the National Assembly—such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and House Leader Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere—were all briefed in advance by the President and National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, prior to the announcement.
The statement read, “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.”
Furthermore, the House Spokesman confirmed that President Tinubu has formally transmitted a letter to the House of Representatives, notifying lawmakers of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.
“Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and further legislative action debated and decided,” he added.
This confirmation follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected House of Assembly members for an initial period of six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas has since been appointed as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The move, which Tinubu described as “an inevitable intervention to restore peace and order”, has sparked intense national debate, with political stakeholders reacting to the implications for democratic governance and constitutional order.
