NASS was consulted before Tinubu’s Rivers emergency declaration — Rep

• Tinubu held discussions with Senate President Akpabio, Speaker Abbas, Deputy Speaker Kalu, Senate Leader Bamidele, and House Leader Ihonvbere.
• The NSA, IGP, SSS director-general, and NIA director-general attended the meeting where Tinubu’s decision was fully explained.

The spokesperson for the house of representatives, Akin Rotimi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu sought the national assembly’s input before proclaiming a state of emergency in Rivers.

On Tuesday, the president imposed emergency rule in Rivers due to the ongoing political turmoil in the south-south region of Nigeria.

Additionally, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, along with all state assembly members, in response to the political instability.

He also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, to take charge as the administrator overseeing governance in Rivers state.

In an official statement, Rotimi clarified that the national assembly “was duly consulted” before the president reached his conclusion.

He mentioned that Tinubu conferred with key national assembly figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

Other attendees included Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker; Michael Bamidele, senate leader; Julius Ihonvbere, house leader; and Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA.

Rotimi further noted that Kayode Egbetokun, the IGP; Adeola Ajayi, the SSS director-general; and Mohammed Mohammed, the NIA director-general, were present.

“During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support,” the statement reads.

Rotimi also stated that Tinubu’s letter informing the house of representatives and requesting approval under section 305 had been sent for review.