Tensions Boil Over in the National Assembly
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked intense debate and division within Nigeria’s House of Representatives. During a plenary session on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, lawmakers engaged in a heated argument over the constitutionality and necessity of the President’s decision. The incident, captured in a video shared online by AIT News, highlights the deep political divide surrounding the issue and underscores the challenges of navigating the crisis in Rivers State.
The Argument: Lawmakers Clash Over Tinubu’s Decision
The video footage shows lawmakers passionately debating the declaration, with some defending Tinubu’s actions as necessary to restore peace and order in Rivers State, while others condemned it as an overreach of executive power. The heated exchange reflects the broader national debate over the constitutionality of the state of emergency and its implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
One lawmaker could be heard shouting, “This is an attack on democracy! We cannot allow the President to unilaterally remove a democratically elected governor!” Another countered, “The situation in Rivers State is out of control. The President had no choice but to act!” The argument escalated to the point where the Speaker had to intervene to restore order.
The Constitutional Debate: A Test for the National Assembly
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has raised critical questions about the role of the National Assembly in such decisions. According to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President must transmit a gazetted proclamation to the National Assembly, which must then consider it within 48 hours if in session or within 10 days if in recess. A two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives is required to uphold or reject the declaration.
The heated argument during the plenary session underscores the complexity of the issue and the high stakes involved. Lawmakers are divided on whether the declaration is justified, with some arguing that it is necessary to address the escalating crisis in Rivers State and others warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach.
The Context: Rivers State’s Political Crisis
The declaration of a state of emergency follows months of political turmoil in Rivers State, fueled by a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The crisis has led to protests, violence, and a breakdown of governance, with the state legislature rendered non-functional due to the demolition of its complex.
President Tinubu cited unresolved crises, a breakdown of law and order, and a recent pipeline explosion as the primary reasons for his decision. He suspended Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator of the state. While Tinubu framed the move as a necessary step to restore peace and stability, critics argue that it undermines democratic governance and violates the constitution.
Mixed Reactions: A Nation Divided
The declaration has sparked a wave of reactions across Nigeria, with opinions split along political lines. Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defended the decision, arguing that it was necessary to address the escalating crisis in Rivers State. They point to the breakdown of governance and the threat to national security as justification for the emergency measures.
On the other hand, opposition leaders and civil society groups have condemned the move, describing it as an attack on democracy and an overreach of executive power. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the declaration, accusing Tinubu of attempting to impose an undemocratic rule in Rivers State.
The Role of the National Assembly: A Crucial Decision
The National Assembly’s role in reviewing and approving the state of emergency is critical to upholding Nigeria’s constitutional principles. The heated argument during the plenary session reflects the high stakes involved in this decision, as lawmakers grapple with the implications of the declaration for democracy and governance in Nigeria.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on the National Assembly to reverse Tinubu’s proclamation, warning that it threatens Nigeria’s democracy and undermines the rule of law. “I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow this to stand, as it only deepens the culture of impunity and brigandage already threatening our democracy,” Obi said.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Nigeria grapples with the fallout from the crisis in Rivers State, the need for dialogue, transparency, and adherence to constitutional principles has never been more urgent. The heated argument in the House of Representatives underscores the deep divisions surrounding the issue and the challenges of finding a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of Rivers State residents and the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic values.
The coming days will be critical as the National Assembly debates the declaration and stakeholders work to find a way forward. For now, the nation watches and waits, hoping for a peaceful and constitutional resolution to the crisis.