The spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, has confirmed that the National Assembly was properly consulted before President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Rotimi explained that the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele, and House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, met with the President and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu prior to the public announcement.
The statement reads:
“In response to multiple inquiries, I can confirm that the National Assembly was duly consulted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, before reaching this decision.
The leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and House Leader Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, met with the President and National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu ahead of the broadcast.
Also present at the meeting were key security officials such as Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) Adeola Ajayi, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Mohammed Mohammed.
During the meeting, the President’s intentions were thoroughly discussed, and all attendees expressed their full support.
Additionally, the President’s formal letter notifying the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution has been transmitted. The letter will be read during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and further legislative action will be debated and decided upon.”