Abaribe Challenges Tinubu’s Power Move: National Assembly’s Green Light Needed For State OF Emergency

He emphasized that the approval of the National Assembly is an essential constitutional process in such matters. Abaribe made this statement during an interview on Tuesday evening, discussing the political crisis in Rivers State and the National Assembly’s role in addressing the situation.

“The constitution clearly stipulates that the National Assembly must approve the declaration, and if there are any regulations or other measures to be taken in accordance with the constitution, that will be our responsibility in the National Assembly,” he explained.

Abaribe also noted that while the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives would need to update lawmakers on the Rivers situation, it might not require a joint session of both chambers.

He admitted that he did not anticipate the state of emergency declaration, as he had hoped for a political resolution, but acknowledged that the move was necessary to prevent the situation from descending into anarchy. “Ultimately, we must reach a consensus. No one wants a situation where there is anarchy in the country,” Abaribe said.

In a significant move to restore order, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, after months of escalating political unrest and unresolved leadership issues, including the suspension of the state’s legislative functions.

The President’s announcement included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.