House of Reps Debate: Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers

Tensions Rise in House of Reps Over Tinubu’s Emergency Call

​Members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives engaged in a heated exchange on March 19, 2025, as they prepared to debate President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The session witnessed significant tension, with lawmakers expressing strong and opposing views on the President’s decision. ​

Before the plenary commenced, two female members, Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) and Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers), were involved in a shouting match concerning the constitutionality of the President’s action. The disagreement escalated, leading to other lawmakers banging tables and some appearing ready for a physical confrontation.

The declaration of the state of emergency by President Tinubu resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting it as a necessary step to address political instability, while others view it as an overreach of executive power.

The intense debate in the House underscores the deep divisions among lawmakers regarding the appropriateness and legality of the President’s decision. As the situation develops, it remains a focal point of national discourse, reflecting broader concerns about governance, constitutional authority, and the balance of power within Nigeria’s federal system.