The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, endorsing the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State Assembly.

The approval came through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Lawmakers debated the general principles of the President’s report before the decision was made.

Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese proposed the creation of a national mediation committee to facilitate peace between the governor and the state assembly, a motion the House adopted.

Minority Whip of the House suggested flexibility in the six-month suspension, stating, “If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before six months.” The House also granted this motion.

Earlier, the Speaker read a letter from President Tinubu formally notifying the House of the emergency declaration. The session briefly dissolved into a closed-door meeting before the debate resumed.

Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha attempted to halt the debate, citing constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority in plenary, but Speaker Abbas overruled his objection.