Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Kuye, has expressed confidence that the National Assembly will approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that the move is necessary to safeguard democracy.
President Tinubu, on Tuesday, invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare emergency rule in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the state’s administrator for the period.
The emergency rule requires a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly for approval.
In an interview, Kuye stated that the primary duty of any government is to protect lives and property, stressing that no responsible administration would allow lawlessness to persist.
“Without sentiments, we are going to defend democracy. In a situation where there is a breakdown of law and order, no responsible government will remain silent and allow anarchy to continue,” he said.
Kuye recalled that in 2023, state leaders had met with President Tinubu over the political crisis in Rivers, but despite his intervention, the conflict remained unresolved and eventually escalated, leading to the destruction of critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines.
The lawmaker noted that the legislative arm is often the first casualty of any crisis that threatens democracy, making it imperative for legislators to defend the system at all costs.
He expressed confidence that National Assembly members, regardless of party affiliations, would back the President’s decision.
Kuye also cited past instances where the National Assembly intervened in state-level conflicts between the executive and legislative branches, referencing a similar crisis in Edo State.
With the emergency rule now before lawmakers for approval, all eyes remain on the National Assembly as it deliberates on the fate of Rivers State’s governance in the coming months.
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