Tinubu’s Bid for Rivers Emergency Rule Hits Setback in House of Reps Over Low Attendance
President Bola Tinubu’s attempt to secure legislative approval for a state of emergency in Rivers State faced a setback on Wednesday as the House of Representatives failed to vote on the matter due to poor attendance.
Under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, a presidential declaration of emergency must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate within two days. However, fewer than 80 lawmakers attended Wednesday’s plenary—far below the 120 required to form a quorum in the 360-member chamber—making a binding decision impossible.
Tinubu’s emergency proclamation was listed under messages from the president, but House rules prevented a vote due to the low turnout. Reports indicate that some lawmakers deliberately avoided the session to distance themselves from what critics have called an “unconstitutional overreach.”
On Tuesday evening, Tinubu announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the state’s sole administrator.
The move has sparked widespread debate, with many arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the president the power to remove an elected governor.
