The Senator representing Aba South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has stated that the Constitution requires the National Assembly to approve the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Media Talk Africa earlier reported on Tuesday night that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State during a nationwide broadcast.
He expressed concern over the political crisis engulfing the oil-rich state, saying he was “greatly disturbed” and accused Governor Siminilayi Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building.
Tinubu said that after evaluating the situation, he had decided to “declare a state of emergency from 18 March.”
In an interview on Arise Television, Abaribe was asked about the role of the National Assembly following the declaration.
“Well, I think the Constitution says very clearly that the National Assembly will have to approve it,” the lawmaker said.
“And then, of course, if there’s any other regulation that needs to be made, or anything else in line with the Constitution, that is what we will have to address in the National Assembly.”
When asked what the process entails, Abaribe responded “Well, the process will be that tomorrow, the Senate President and the Speaker will read the political commission and words.”
When asked whether the process would involve a joint sitting of both chambers, he replied: “I don’t think so. Joint sittings are usually held only when we have to receive the budget.
“So, I think the deliberations will take place separately, and we will see what happens. Eventually, we must reach a consensus. No one wants a situation where there is anarchy in the country. Nobody wants that.
“I didn’t see it [coming]. I thought there was still a window to fix things—a window for a political settlement. But well, it has happened. We have to deal with it.”
