The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers House of Assembly, as announced by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
Contrary to constitutional provisions, the Green Chamber voted on the presidential proclamation via a voice vote during plenary on Thursday.
According to Section 305(2) of the Constitution, for the emergency rule to take effect, Tinubu’s proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of both chambers.
On Wednesday, the House in plenary failed to form a quorum, making it impossible for it to debate the letter of proclamation sent to it by the President.
But on Thursday, more lawmakers attended plenary as Speaker Abbas announced that every item on the Order Paper for the day had been stepped down to consider President Tinubu’s request to approve emergency rule in Rivers State.
Majority Leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, who moved the motion for the consideration of the letter, urged his colleagues to support the motion.
Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, called on members to make their contribution during the consideration of the general principles of the President’s report.
The member of the Labour Party representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Obinna Aguocha raised a point of order as soon as the debate was about to commence, stressing the need for a quorum. The lawmaker urged the Speaker to verify attendance before proceeding with the exercise.
“For us to continue, Section 305 (6b) requires the House to have two-thirds of members present in the chamber. Let us know our attendance because this will guide whatever we are going to do here,” he said.
This is as Rep. Fred Agedi, representing, Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, urged Speaker Abbas to demonstrate his leadership by sticking with the rules as stipulated in the Constitution.
He said, “The issue we are debating right now in second reading, is a constitutional matter, and the constitution has prescribed what to do. It is in the integrity and interest of this House that we do the right thing.
“Please, announce the quorum so that Nigerians will know that we are not circumventing the constitution. This is not about supporting or opposing what Mr President has said, but because of your impeccable leadership, we should comply strictly with the Constitution by first transparently announcing the quorum as it is now for us to go into this debate.”
He added, “We have our own biases, I have mine. But on this issue, let us all step on the precipice and assist Mr President in having a better solution to this issue. Let’s begin to work from the ground up to create the processes, conversations and negotiations necessary to bring about sustainable, credible and inclusive peace in Rivers State.”
Speaker Abbas assured the lawmakers that all proceedings would strictly comply with the Constitution.
In his contribution, the Deputy Minority Whip, Ali Isah said though the emergency rule was declared for six months; the House should recommend to the President that it can be cut short if the peace moves are successful.
“With strong commitment, the matter in Rivers can be resolved within the shortest period of time. I believe the matter can be resolved by next week. If the President shows commitment, and everyone else, we don’t need to wait for a longer period of time. Within a short time, the matter can be resolved. The President should be able to review the state of emergency at any given time,” he said.
On his part, Delta lawmaker, Benedict Etanabene, pledged his support for any initiative aimed at restoring peace in Rivers State.
Speaker Abbas put the motion to a voice vote having earlier disclosed that 243 lawmakers signed the attendance register.
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