Lawmakers in the House of Representatives engaged in a heated exchange as the chamber prepared to debate the emergency rule in Rivers State.
Tensions flared even before the plenary began, with Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II) and Marie Ebikake (Brass/Nembe, Bayelsa) in a confrontation, while others voiced concerns.
Mark Esset (Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan/Uruan/Uyo) questioned, “Is this democracy?”
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers due to a prolonged political crisis.
He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and state assembly members, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi stated that Tinubu consulted the National Assembly leadership, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, before the decision. Security chiefs, including the IGP and heads of the SSS and NIA, were also present.
Tinubu’s letter seeking legislative approval under Section 305 of the Constitution has been transmitted to the House and will be read during plenary for further action. The session is now underway.
Credit: Galaxy TV
