By Ghazali Ibrahim 
In a significant development, the House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The approval was granted during a plenary session on Thursday, with 240 lawmakers in attendance.
President Tinubu had written to the House, requesting approval for the emergency rule in the South-South state, citing the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
The House’s approval paves the way for the implementation of the state of emergency, which includes the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State Assembly for six months.
In addition, President Tinubu has nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral and former chief of naval staff, as the administrator of the state.
The move is aimed at restoring order and stability in the state, which has been plagued by political violence and unrest.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with some stakeholders expressing concerns about the implications of the state of emergency on democracy and human rights in the state.
