*Approve emergency rule *Want 6-months period shortened
*Calls for resroration of peace, order
By Citizenship Daily
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, amended the proclamation of President Bola Tinubu insisting that the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas must report back to the National Assembly and not the Federal Executive Council.
This was just as the House made three amendments that were passed through a voice vote with 243 members in attendance.
The House also made another amendment that a national committee, comprising members from the presidency, National Assembly and other eminent Nigerians be set up to mitigate and restore peace back to Rivers State.
The third amendment also stated that the President can review the period of emergency to a shorter period than six months.
Members who were allowed to make comments on the presidents request, expressed concerns on constitutional provisions:
Rep. Fredrick Agbedi (PDP-Bayelsa) expressed concern over the constitutional adherence in the parliamentary process. He emphasized the importance of transparency, urging the Speaker to announce the quorum to ensure the legitimacy of their discussions.
“This is not about either supporting or opposing what Mr. President has said, but to comply strictly with the constitution.
In response to their request, the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abbas who presided over plenary insisted that there was an attendance register which will be used to determine number of members present on the floor.
Speaking on the request, the Leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonvbere highlighted the importance of representing the interests of the people.
He said: “We stand on the precipice of history.There is no doubting the fact that we have our definitions of democracy, of social, state of emergency.
“We have our own biases, I have mine. But on this issue, let us all step on the precipice and assist them to have a better population. let’s begin to work from the ground up to create the processes, the conversations, the negotiations that are necessary. To bring sustainable, credible, lasting, inclusive peace to Rivers state.
He called for constructive conversations and negotiations, encouraging fellow leaders to work towards sustainable and lasting peace.
“Let us all step on the precipice and assist them to have a better population.
Also speaking on the letter, former Deputy Speaker of the House, Idris Wase said “if I am to speak my mind, I am not going to disobey this very, very decisive decision. I want to believe that Nigeria must move forward.
Speaking also Rep. Philip Agbese, (APC- Benue) highlighted the ongoing crisis in River State, acknowledging that the declaration of a state of emergency was necessary.
He emphasized that the Nigerian parliament has a history of providing solutions to national challenges, particularly during times of crisis.
Agbese recommended the formation of a national committee comprising executive members, parliamentarians, and eminent leaders to ensure peace and prevent future conflict in the state.
He said “One of our major achievements in this house has always been to provide solutions to problems as far as the continent is concerned. We are all aware of the challenges that face us today, the state of our democracy, and we are here as a people, as representatives of Nigerians, to provide solutions and ensure that our democracy works.
“Recommendations made in the proclamation by Mr. President that in the wake of this house, that we play with it in a way and manner that will help to build our democracy and make Nigeria a better place.
My recommendation is that, as we have seen in time past, when this country was at a point of crisis, when national committees were settled, and we have also seen in time past even when there was no constitutional provision, the doctrine of decency was invoked to give life back to the country.
“It is in that way that he says that the emergency has been declared in the state, not because Mr. President hates any of the groups involved, but because Mr. President wants something better for our country. So, I want to recommend that a national committee be settled to comprise of the executive, members of the parliament, and eminent leaders, like we have seen in the past.
For Rep Etanabene Benedict, (LP- Delta), he stressed that peace in River State must be the ultimate goal. While supporting President Tinubu’s move, he raised concerns over certain constitutional provisions.
“Section 305 of the Constitution cannot be read in isolation of Section 11, subsection 4, he argued that the sole administrator appointed in River State should report to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council.
“The ultimate goal is to have peace in River State.We must embrace that idea of the government and indeed as pushed forward by Mr. President. However, Section 305 of the Constitution of the United States I do not want to go into academic debates on what Section 305 is about.
“However, Section 305 cannot be read in isolation of Section 11, subsection 4 of the Constitution. And that deals with, if you permit me to read, that at any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its function, by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters in which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly on and on.
“But the bottom line here is listen to Mr. President’s proclamation where he said that the sole administrator will be reporting to the Federal Executive Council. I disagree with that position and insist that the provision of Section 11.4 of the Constitution should take precedence over that.
