The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

They also supported the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly. This took place at the green chamber on Thursday after the issue was put to voice vote by the speaker, Dr Tajudeen Abbas.

This development comes after Tinubu’s announcement on Tuesday, citing the need to address the protracted political crisis in the state.

The approval by the House of Representatives is a significant step in the implementation of the state of emergency, which has been met with criticism from various quarters.

The suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and assembly members has raised concerns about the implications for democracy and federalism in Nigeria.

It is worth noting that the House of Representatives’ approval is in line with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country. However, the constitution also requires the National Assembly to approve the declaration within a specified timeframe.