In a significant development on Thursday, March 20, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation with a powerful message of gratitude directed at the National Assembly following their decisive approval of his proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The endorsement, which came earlier that day, saw both the Senate and House of Representatives throw their full support behind Tinubu’s bold move to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. This swift legislative backing has been hailed by the President as a testament to unity and patriotism in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing political crises.
A Presidential Message of Appreciation
Speaking from the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu lauded the National Assembly for their prompt and patriotic response to his emergency declaration, announced on March 18. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu specifically praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and other principal officers for prioritizing the welfare and security of Rivers State’s residents over partisan interests. “Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the actions of leaders,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between the executive and legislative arms.
The President’s message came hours after the House of Representatives, with 243 members in attendance, adopted the proclamation via a resounding voice vote, surpassing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority. The Senate followed suit, affirming the emergency rule and calling for a mediation committee to resolve the underlying political tensions. Tinubu acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, which he said underscored the “perilous tipping point” reached by the crisis in Rivers State—a situation threatening vital oil and gas infrastructure and the national economy.
The Crisis and the Emergency Response
Tinubu’s emergency proclamation was triggered by a prolonged political standoff in Rivers State, primarily between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory Minister. The President cited recent incidents, including pipeline vandalism allegedly ignored by Fubara, as evidence of a governance breakdown necessitating “extraordinary measures.” On March 18, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as Sole Administrator to oversee the state, a move he described as a “lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”
In his message to the National Assembly, Tinubu reiterated the stakes: “The crisis in Rivers State was undermining the significant progress we have made in reforms since our administration commenced in May 2023.” He framed the emergency rule as a six-month window to stabilize the state, address systemic failures, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties—goals he believes Ibas’s leadership will achieve.
A Call for Continued Collaboration
Beyond gratitude, Tinubu’s statement served as a rallying cry for deeper partnership with the legislature. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria. “We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” he said, urging lawmakers to sustain their support as the emergency measures unfold.
The President also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their understanding during this turbulent period, calling on all stakeholders in Rivers State to back efforts to restore peace. “This is not about politics; it’s about the people and the future of our nation,” he stressed, seeking to shift focus from partisan debates to collective action.
National Assembly’s Role and Reaction
The National Assembly’s approval was a procedural triumph under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates a two-thirds majority in both chambers within 48 hours of a presidential proclamation. In the House, Speaker Abbas navigated minor resistance—such as a call for a head count by Rep. Obi Aguocha—before securing the vote, while Senate President Akpabio emphasized the hope that the declaration would “bring peace and resolve all impasses.” The Senate also proposed a review mechanism, allowing the emergency to end earlier if stability returns, a flexibility Tinubu welcomed.
The swift ratification has bolstered Tinubu’s authority, though it has not silenced critics. Opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have labeled the move unconstitutional, arguing it oversteps democratic norms. Northern lawmakers, however, defended it as “apt and timely,” citing the need to protect national assets in Rivers, Nigeria’s oil hub.
Looking Ahead: Ibas Takes the Helm
As of March 21, 2025, Vice Admiral Ibas has assumed control in Port Harcourt, arriving at the Government House on March 20 to meet with security officials and state personnel. Tinubu’s message to the National Assembly signals confidence in Ibas’s ability to execute the emergency mandate, with an evening address promised to outline his initial steps. For now, the President’s commendation of the legislature sets a tone of optimism, framing the emergency rule as a collaborative effort to rescue Rivers State from chaos.
This historic moment—marked by Tinubu’s gratitude and the National Assembly’s resolve—underscores a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s governance, with implications that will resonate through the 2027 elections and beyond.
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