A dramatic clash unfolded in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as two lawmakers, Marie Ebikake and Blessing Amadi, engaged in a heated exchange over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The argument, which occurred just before the commencement of plenary, saw Ebikake, who represents Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa and Amadi, representing Port Harcourt Two Federal Constituency of Rivers State, raising their voices and pointing fingers at each other.
According to eyewitnesses, the dispute erupted while lawmakers were informally discussing the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State. Tensions ran high as both lawmakers passionately defended their positions, reflecting the deep division among political leaders over Tinubu’s intervention.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged governance crisis and political deadlock in the state. His decision also included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
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In a nationwide address, Tinubu justified his move, emphasizing the breakdown of governance in Rivers:
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.
“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail.
“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.
“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
The emergency rule declaration came just hours after an explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, further escalating tensions in the crisis-ridden state.
Earlier that same day, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)**, also caught fire, raising concerns about security and economic stability in the oil-rich region.
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