The members of the House of Representatives engaged in a heated exchange as the green chamber prepared to debate the emergency rule in Rivers State.
The shouting match began as the legislators entered the chamber ahead of Wednesday’s plenary.
As of the time of filing this report, the House had entered into session.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the South-South state.
The president also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly for six months.
Tinubu also nominated a former Chief Of Naval Staff, Vice-admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to administer the state.
Reacting, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said Tinubu informed the national assembly through a letter before the emergency proclamation.
According to The PUNCH, Rotimi added that Tinubu’s letter informing the house of his decision and seeking approval on the state of emergency in Rivers in line with section 305 of the Constitution has been transmitted to the green chamber and would be read during plenary on Wednesday for further legislative action.
He said Tinubu met with the leadership of both chambers, and the National Security Adviser and Service Chiefs before the broadcast.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.
Amaewhule said the Assembly would abide by the president’s decision, even though it was not what they had hoped for.
“We assure our constituents that we will abide by this declaration, even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country,” Amaewhule said.
The Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis in Rivers State, accusing him of ignoring court judgments and failing to govern in line with the constitution.
“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor, who serially disobeyed court judgments and obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he stated.
Amaewhule called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president to oversee the affairs of the state.
“We urge everyone to remain calm as the Sole Administrator assumes duty. Rest assured that the Assembly will give him all the necessary support to restore order,” he added.
The Speaker also thanked the people of the state for their patience, prayers and support during this period of emergency.
