– The Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has emphasized that the primary concern of the National Assembly is the restoration of peace and order in Rivers State, following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu earlier this week.

Hon. Agbese said this shortly after the House deliberated on and subsequently approved the President’s letter regarding the emergency proclamation, Hon. Agbese affirmed that the National Assembly’s commitment lies in fostering peace and ensuring stability across the nation.

He stressed the importance of maintaining law and order as a crucial foundation for effective governance and progress.

Amid an escalating political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has significantly hampered governance in the state, President Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution.

Although the President promptly sent letters to both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, requesting their approval for the emergency declaration. However, despite the urgency, a debate on the request could not take place during Wednesday’s plenary sessions in both chambers, as they were unable to muster a quorum necessary to form a simple majority for consideration.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly Complex, the Benue lawmaker stated, “The National Assembly is a microcosm of Nigeria, as every Nigerian is represented in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This structure allows us to continuously seek ways to address the various issues and challenges facing our people.”

He acknowledged the pressing issues in Rivers State, noting, “We cannot ignore the challenges in Rivers that need urgent attention. In his wisdom, the President intervened and sought the approval of the National Assembly to ratify his declaration. However, as seen during the plenary, members proposed amendments to the proclamation. We hope these amendments will encourage both parties to come together and work towards peace for the greater good of the state.”

He urged Nigerians to lend their support to both the parliament and President Tinubu in their efforts to find a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.

“The House has put forward three key recommendations, all of which were unanimously approved during plenary. We are confident that the proposed Committee of Eminent Nigerians will play a significant role in resolving the Rivers crisis more swiftly than initially anticipated.

“We have also suggested a review of the emergency rule, with the provision that if peace is restored before the six-month period expires, both the governor and the State Assembly will be reinstated.”