There was a heated exchange on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday when two female members of parliament exchanged words over President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers State.
Hon. Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) and Hon. Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers) engaged in a shouting exchange on whether the action of Tinubu was constitutional, making the chamber tense before plenary.
Other lawmakers were seen banging tables and talking harshly, with some appearing ready for a fight. Groups of representatives were also seen discussing the issue in whispers before the session.
The move follows Tinubu’s Tuesday night declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the State House of Assembly for a period of six months in the first instance.
As substitutes, the President appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd), as the state’s Sole Administrator.
The move’s controversy still serves to draw divisive lines among lawmakers and political players nationally.
