During a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the emergency declaration, citing political instability and security concerns.

The National Assembly has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu duly consulted with its leadership before declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.

During a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the emergency declaration, citing political instability and security concerns.

The decision, which has been met with fierce criticism, led to the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

The announcement has sparked widespread debate over its constitutionality and motives, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr. asserted that the leadership of the National Assembly held a high-level meeting with President Tinubu and key security officials ahead of the declaration.

He explained that during the meeting, President Tinubu briefed attendees on his intention to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the escalating political turmoil and security breaches that have led to the destruction of critical national infrastructure.

According to the statement, all present at the meeting unanimously expressed their support for the decision.

The statement reads in part: "In response to multiple inquiries, 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."

Meanwhile, Tinubu has deployed armed security operatives, including the Nigerian Army, to occupy the Rivers State Government House following his suspension of Governor Fubara.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday evening shows several military vans filled with armed operatives heading toward the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

This came shortly after President Tinubu, during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and security concerns.