The National Assembly was fully consulted before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has confirmed.
In a statement on Tuesday, House Spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. said the leadership of the National Assembly met with the President and the National Security Adviser ahead of Tinubu’s national broadcast. Key security chiefs were also present at the meeting, where they were briefed on the decision, and all attendees unanimously supported it.
Rotimi further revealed that Tinubu has formally communicated his decision to the House of Representatives, seeking approval in accordance with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The letter, he said, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after which lawmakers will debate and take legislative action.
The statement comes amid growing controversy over the emergency declaration, with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticizing the move as politically motivated. However, the presidency insists the action was taken in the interest of national security.
