The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, alongside the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly.
The decision was finalized through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Lawmakers were invited to debate the general principles of the President’s report before its approval.
During deliberations, Benue lawmaker and Deputy Speaker of the House Philip Agbese proposed forming a national mediation committee to facilitate peace talks between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The House approved this recommendation.
Meanwhile, the House Minority Whip suggested that the six-month suspension imposed on the Governor and the Legislature should remain subject to review rather than being fixed and non-negotiable.
This move marks a critical intervention in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, setting the stage for both executive and legislative restructuring under federal oversight.