By Kingston Magare
The Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives Thursday gave their approval to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu and the house of assembly members.
For Tinubu’s action to be lawful the National Assembly needed to sign off as required by the constitution. One Wednesday a day after Tinubu’s declaration in a nationwide broadcast, the lawmakers gave a mixed signal, the Senate and the House Reps did not entertain the motion to debate the development.
But on Thursday despite calls by the Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, prominent lawyers and opposition figures for the National Assembly not legitimised the Tinubu’s action which they viewed as unconstitutional, the lawmakers did not think twice before passing a resolution to back the move.
This was after a closed-door session where gave approval via a voice vote.
It was alleged that the lawmakers were lobbied by President Tinubu’s kitchen cabinet members with cash gifts to back the President’s declaration of emergency, a topic which is still in the front burner of discussion.
According to reports the lawmakers were paid $25,000 between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, while some others received $15,000 within the same period.
