By NewsMata
Lack of quorum on Wednesday aborted the expected deliberations by the House of Representatives on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
This is despite earlier assurances by the House’s spokesperson, Akin Rotimi who had stated that the issue would be discussed during the day’s plenary.
Following the presidential broadcast in the course of which the democratic structures in the state were dismantled with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly, Rotimi had confirmed that the President had formally notified the National Assembly of the development.
According to him, “The National Assembly was duly consulted by the President. Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025”.
Against all expectations however, the House failed to address the matter during Wednesday’s plenary, leaving many Nigerians disappointed.
It was later gathered that the failure to discuss the issue was because of low turnout of lawmakers.
The Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who presided, noted that fewer than 120 members were present out of the 360-member House. It is expected that the emergency rule declaration would take the front burner on Thursday when quorum would be formed.