Senate, Reps approved Emergency Rule in Rivers
…..No respite for Fubara , Deputy
Against the overwhelming public outcry, the National Assembly (Senate & House of Representatives) have approved the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Rivers state.
To achieve this, the presiding officers; Senator Godswill Akpabio led Senate got the endorsement in a closed door session while Speaker Tajudeen Abbas led House resorted to voice votes.
Each lawmaker was expected to vote individually and the votes counted to get the required two third majority to ratify the emergency rule.
At least 72 members were required in the Senate of 109 while 240 out of 360 members were needed in the house of Representatives.
In ratifying the emergency rule, the Abbas led House carried out some amendments to include :
That the president constitute a Peace and Reconciliation Committee for Rivers made up of eminent Nigerians with other members drawn from the executive and the legislature.
Contrary to the position of Mr President that the sole administrator reports to the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly should take over the legislature functions of Rivers State and the Sole Administrator report to them.
*That the President can terminate the emergency rule before the six months if he thinks peace and normalcy has been restored to the State, even if it’s tomorrow.
Ends.
