The House of Representatives has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu engaged with members of the National Assembly before announcing a state of emergency in Rivers State.
During a national broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared the emergency, citing the need to restore order. Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution allows such measures in cases of national danger or crisis, enabling the government to take exceptional steps to regain control.
Speaking on the development, House spokesperson Akintunde Rotimi stated that the National Assembly and security agencies were fully informed before Tinubu’s decision was made.
“In response to multiple inquiries, I can confirm that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, consulted the National Assembly before reaching this decision,” Rotimi stated.
According to him, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, State Security Service (SSS) Director-General Adeola Ajayi, and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Mohammed Mohammed were also briefed in advance.
“During this meeting, all present were fully informed of the President’s intentions, and they unanimously supported the decision,” Rotimi added.
Rotimi also confirmed that President Tinubu has formally written to the House of Representatives, notifying them of his decision and seeking approval in line with constitutional requirements.
“The President’s official letter has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Further legislative action will then be debated and determined,” he explained.
Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members for an initial period of six months, stating that the decision was made in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
