BREAKING: Reps approve Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers

The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The lower chamber granted approval during Thursday’s plenary session, making some minor amendments.

During the session, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the House resolved that the National Assembly would serve as the legislative arm for the state while the state of emergency lasts.

It also resolved that if the political crisis in the state is resolved within six months, the president should lift the state of emergency.

However, the lawmakers overlooked Section 305(2) of the Constitution by passing the resolution without meeting the two-thirds requirement.

At the start of the deliberations, several lawmakers raised constitutional points of order. But former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase urged his colleagues to allow debate on the issue before raising concerns about the constitutional threshold.

After taking some few amendments, Mr Tajudeen put the request to a voice vote, and members present overwhelmingly voted in support.

Details to follow…