The House of Representatives has decided to revisit several bills from the previous legislative session that did not receive presidential approval before the end of the last Assembly.

This resolution came after lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive during Wednesday’s plenary, which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Among the bills slated for reconsideration are the National Youth Development Commission Bill, 2023; the Federal University of Education, Numan, Adamawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2025; the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2023; and the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan Bill, 2023.

Others include the Environmental Health (Control) Bill, 2025; the FCT Health Insurance Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025; the FCT Signage and Advertisement Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025; the Nigerian Independent Warehouse Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill; and the FCT Transport Authority (Establishment) Bill, 2025.

Hon. Waive explained that these bills had either been passed by the House and sent to the Senate for concurrence, passed by the Senate and sent to the House, or forwarded to the President for assent but were not signed before the end of the last legislative session.

He stated: “Notes that, pursuant to Order Twelve, Rule 17 (a), (b), (c) & (d) of the Standing Orders, the House may, upon being re-gazetted or circulated, reconsider in the Committee of the Whole, without commencing de novo, the Bill(s) whose report was presented by the Committee before consideration; (b) passed by the House and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence, for which no concurrence was made or was negatived; (c) passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House, for which no concurrence was made or was negatived; or (d) passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the preceding Assembly.”

“Also notes that the aforementioned bills were passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the last Assembly.”

“Aware that the bills were read for the first time as HBs. 119, 936, 903, 1264, 1265, 1477, 1497, 1480, and 1552, respectively.”

Following these observations, the House has resolved to recommit the bills to the Committee of the Whole for further deliberation.

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The appointment was finalized following a brief meeting with the president on Wednesday afternoon.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The president cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as his authority to act, emphasizing that he could no longer stand by while the political turmoil in Rivers escalated.

The decision to suspend Fubara and other elected representatives has drawn widespread condemnation from notable figures and groups—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Femi Falana, the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigerian Bar Association—while the pro-Nyesom Wike Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, has welcomed the emergency measures, accusing Fubara of defying a Supreme Court ruling on the state’s political crisis.

Ibas, who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, hails from Cross River, where he also completed his early education.

He began his illustrious career at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979 and steadily ascended through the naval ranks.

A respected member of both the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Ibas was honored with the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari, who initially appointed him as Chief of Naval Staff.

The Senate has postponed its morning agenda by stepping down a motion aimed at approving the state of emergency declared in Rivers State until 3pm, with no detailed explanation offered for the delay.

The motion—sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele—was slated for debate and a vote during the morning session, but lawmakers unexpectedly decided to defer the discussion.

According to the motion, there is a “clear worry over the escalating tensions, which have paralyzed the state and hindered the delivery of democratic dividends to its residents.”

It further notes that there is a significant concern as some militants “had threatened fire and brimstone with security report of disturbing incidents of vandalization of oil pipelines.”

The document adds that the Senate is “convinced that there is the need to provide adequate and extra ordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security in Rivers State.”

For the emergency declaration to be enacted, the Senate needs a two-thirds majority—73 out of 109 senators.

This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s Tuesday proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State amid an ongoing political crisis.

During a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months, while appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state administrator for the initial six-month period.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at his residence in Abuja.

The visit was made public through a statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, on X (formerly Twitter).

Olayinka wrote, “The Uncommon Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during his visit to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his residence today.”

As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released regarding the purpose of the meeting.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi described the President’s decision as unconstitutional and reckless.

“The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless.

“It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, hugely undoing the progress we have made in these 26 years of democratic journey.

“By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.”

Obi argued that the political crisis in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure and accused Tinubu of misinterpreting Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution for political purposes.

“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to return us to a state of nature and tighten its grip on power at all costs.

“It is a degrading backdoor imposition of martial rule on a strategic part of the federation with all the implied negatives.

“The political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is also a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“A state of emergency does not mean an elected Governor can be removed unilaterally. This decision does not align with democratic norms or good governance. Instead, it appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.”

The former Anambra governor warned that the decision threatens the country’s democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.

“This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity.

“Having already been grappling with non-adherence to electoral qualifications, rules, and massive rigging, adding arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us to a state of nature and anarchy.”

Obi called on the National Assembly and other stakeholders to reject the move, warning that it could deepen the culture of impunity already threatening Nigeria’s democracy.

Following the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in the state.

He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months.

The President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, described it as a political manipulation.

The PDP and the PDP Governors Forum have also rejected the move, joining the growing opposition to what they see as an unconstitutional power grab.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has thrown its support behind the Sole Administrator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The lawmakers, in a statement issued by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, attributed the development to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s alleged disregard for constitutional governance, court rulings, and the legislative arm of government.

Amaewhule stated: “On behalf of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I write to draw your attention to the declaration of a state of emergency by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the Governor, who serially disobeyed judgments and orders of courts, failed to govern the state in line with his oath of office and the Constitution.

“The Governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions, as confirmed by the courts, in which he also unconstitutionally obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly—an arm of government—from functioning, underlie this situation.”

The Speaker emphasized that while the lawmakers had not wished for this outcome, they believed the President acted in the best interest of the country.

“As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents, that we would abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country; therefore, we call on you all to remain calm as the Sole Administrator appointed by the President assumes his duty in the best interest of our state and nation.”

“Rest assured that we would give any kind of support required of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Sole Administrator in the best interest of our dear state.

“Once again, we thank you all for your continued support, prayers, and understanding. We expect that you will all give the Sole Administrator the needed support to steer the ship of state during this period of emergency.”

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked nationwide debate, with critics arguing that the President lacks the constitutional authority to remove elected officials.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has opposed the move, describing it as an unconstitutional overreach of executive power.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis that has resisted previous efforts at resolution.

In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu stated that no responsible leader could stand by while instability persists, emphasizing that drastic measures were necessary to restore governance, peace, and security in the state.

The President explained that multiple attempts at conflict resolution had failed due to the intransigence of key political actors.

As a result, he invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, making him the third Nigerian leader to take such a step since the country’s return to democracy.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had previously imposed emergency rule in Plateau (2004) and Ekiti (2006), while ex-President Goodluck Jonathan declared it in Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno States in 2013 amid escalating insurgency.

However, Tinubu’s decision has drawn attention to his previous opposition to similar declarations in the past.

As the National Leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he strongly criticized Jonathan’s 2013 state of emergency, calling it a “dangerous trend” in governance.

At the time, Tinubu argued that emergency declarations often carried political undertones, risked alienating citizens, and could fuel radical ideologies rather than resolving conflicts.

He also accused the federal government of using security crises as an excuse to undermine state governments instead of fostering meaningful collaboration.

His stance then was that military intervention should be a last resort and that political crises should be resolved through dialogue, institutional reforms, and improved governance.

Now, as President, Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State marks a stark departure from his previous position.

While he has justified the move as a constitutional necessity, political observers question whether his administration is setting a precedent that contradicts his past advocacy for democratic governance and state autonomy.

Rivers State, located in the Niger Delta, is one of Nigeria’s most economically significant states due to its vast oil and gas reserves.

Port Harcourt, the state capital, serves as a key industrial and commercial hub, earning the state its nickname, “Treasure Base of the Nation.”

Despite its economic strength, Rivers has a history of intense political struggles, often exacerbated by high-stakes control over oil revenues and governance.

Following the declaration of emergency rule, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State on March 18, 2025.

Ibas, a retired naval officer from Cross River State, has had a distinguished career in national security and diplomacy.

His appointment signals Tinubu’s preference for a military approach in stabilizing the crisis, further raising questions about the long-term impact of this intervention on democratic governance in the state.

With Rivers State now under emergency rule, all eyes will be on the National Assembly, which is constitutionally required to approve the proclamation within days.

Impeachment remains a powerful constitutional tool in Nigeria’s democracy, often used to remove governors accused of corruption, mismanagement, or political disloyalty.

Before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the state’s House of Assembly, there had been ongoing moves to impeach Fubara.

Had the impeachment been successful, Fubara would have joined a list of Nigerian governors who were removed from office in the Fourth Republic through impeachment.

Below is a comprehensive list of governors who have been impeached since 1999 and the reasons behind their removal.

1. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (Bayelsa State, 2005)

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State when Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.

After securing re-election in 2003, he was impeached in 2005 on charges of corruption, including money laundering, abuse of office, and theft of public funds.

Two years later, he pleaded guilty to six charges in court and was sentenced to prison.

2. Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo State, 2006)

Rashidi Ladoja served as governor of Oyo State from 2003 until his impeachment in January 2006. The state’s lawmakers removed him from office, citing political differences.

Christopher Alao-Akala was sworn in as his replacement.

However, in December 2006, the court reinstated Ladoja as governor, ruling that his removal was unconstitutional. He remained in office until 2007.

Ladoja later stated that his impeachment was politically motivated because he opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid.

3. Ayo Fayose (Ekiti State, 2006)

Elected in 2003, Ayo Fayose’s tenure as governor of Ekiti State ended in 2006 when he and his deputy, Biodun Olujimi, were impeached over allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption.

The impeachment was supported by 24 out of 26 lawmakers in the state’s House of Assembly.

Fayose was accused of mismanaging funds, particularly in relation to the Ekiti State Poultry Project.

Following his removal, Friday Aderemi was sworn in as governor.

However, the Supreme Court later ruled that Fayose’s impeachment was illegal, and then-President Olusegun Obasanjo described the process as unconstitutional.

4. Peter Obi (Anambra State, 2006)

Before emerging as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi served as governor of Anambra State.

His first tenure was cut short in 2006 when lawmakers impeached him after just six months in office.

Obi claimed he was impeached for refusing to inflate the state’s budget and for maintaining a high level of accountability in governance.

He challenged his impeachment in court, and the Court of Appeal ruled in his favor, reinstating him on February 9, 2007.

5. Joshua Dariye (Plateau State, 2006)

Joshua Dariye faced impeachment attempts from Plateau State lawmakers in October 2006, with eight out of 24 assembly members initiating the process.

He challenged their actions, arguing that they did not form the necessary quorum.

Dariye was accused of money laundering and was eventually impeached in November 2006.

His deputy, Michael Botmang, was sworn in as governor. However, the Supreme Court later nullified his impeachment.

After his tenure ended in May 2007, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of diverting N1 billion meant for the state’s ecological funds.

6. Murtala Nyako (Adamawa State, 2014)

In 2014, Murtala Nyako was impeached as the governor of Adamawa State over allegations of misappropriating N17 billion, illegally deducting workers’ salaries, and mismanaging local government funds.

Both Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngilari, were served impeachment notices in June 2014.

By July, Nyako was removed from office, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who was the Speaker of the House of Assembly at the time, was sworn in as acting governor.