Reps Begin Plenary In Heated Arguments Over Rivers Emergency Rule

Reps Begin Plenary In Heated Arguments Over Rivers Emergency Rule

A heated argument erupted at the House of Representatives on Wednesday between two female lawmakers over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The confrontation occurred between Reps Blessing Amadi, representing Rivers State, and Marie Ebikake, just before the plenary session began. Their exchange of words escalated into a shouting match.

Despite the tension, the plenary session proceeded with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presiding over the proceedings.

This altercation followed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, triggered by the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich South-South region.

In his nationwide broadcast, the president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for a period of six months.

Tinubu also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the six-month period.

The president’s actions were based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the declaration of a state of emergency in situations of national danger, disaster, or terrorism, permitting the suspension of normal constitutional processes to restore control.