Tinubu consulted NASS leadership before declaring state of emergency in Rivers — Reps spokesman
The spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu consulted the leadership of the National Assembly before declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Mr Rotimi said the president informed the legislative arm during a high-level meeting that had security chiefs in attendance.
The Reps spokesman who disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday said that Mr Tinubu had already transmitted a letter to both chambers of the National Assembly and would be read during plenary on Wednesday.
The statement reads in part: “In response to multiple enquiries, I can confirm that the National Assembly was duly consulted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in reaching this decision.
“The leadership of the National Assembly—including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON; the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON; and the House Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, OON, DSSRS—met with the President and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, ahead of the broadcast.
“Also in attendance were key security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director-General of the State Security Service, SSS, Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mohammed Mohammed.
“During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support.
“Furthermore, Mr. President’s formal letter informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution has been transmitted. It will be read during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and further legislative action will be debated and decided.”
