By Abiola Olawale
Tensions erupted in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as lawmakers engaged in a heated shouting match just before a scheduled plenary session to debate President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
It was gathered that the confrontation began as lawmakers trickled into the chamber ahead of the official proceedings.
The clash reportedly involved two female representatives, Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) and Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers), who traded sharp words.
According to reports, the exchange quickly escalated, drawing other lawmakers into the fray and requiring intervention to prevent further escalation beyond control.
The uproar stems from President Tinubu’s announcement on Tuesday, March 18, during a nationwide broadcast, in which he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Citing prolonged political unrest and the need to restore law and order, Tinubu had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Navy Staff and immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana , as the state’s administrator.
