Tinubu Struggles to Secure National Assembly Support for Emergency Rule in Rivers State
President Bola Tinubu is facing significant hurdles in the National Assembly as he seeks the required two-thirds majority to approve his declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
On Tuesday, Tinubu announced a state of emergency in the South-South state, citing a prolonged political crisis. In a contentious move, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Naija News recalls that Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
However, for the proclamation to take effect, Section 305(2) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that the president must submit it to both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. A fierce debate has since emerged over the legality of Tinubu’s actions—particularly the suspension of an elected governor, which is not explicitly outlined in the 1999 Constitution. Additionally, there is no clear constitutional provision for appointing an administrator, though a controversial precedent was set during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.
Section 305(6) states that the proclamation will be void unless ratified by a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. This means Tinubu needs at least 240 votes in the House of Representatives and 73 votes in the Senate to push it through. Conversely, opposition from just 36 senators or 121 House members could block the emergency rule.
Insiders in the National Assembly told TheCable that Tinubu’s allies are struggling to secure enough support. As a result, the Senate postponed voting on the emergency rule until Thursday due to insufficient backing.
Many lawmakers remain skeptical about the necessity and legality of Tinubu’s move, fearing it could set a dangerous precedent. According to TheCable, divisions within the National Assembly have deepened, with opposition members and even some lawmakers from Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) reluctant to endorse the plan.
The outcome of Thursday’s vote will be decisive. If Tinubu fails to secure the required two-thirds majority in both chambers, he will be forced to withdraw the proclamation—effectively reinstating Fubara and his administration in Rivers State.
