The House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 19, concluded its plenary session without addressing the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu had, on Tuesday, announced emergency rule in the oil-rich South-South state, citing prolonged political instability. However, lawmakers in the green chamber did not raise the issue during their deliberations.
Before the session began, tensions flared as two female lawmakers, Blessing Amadi from Rivers State and Marie Ebikake, engaged in a heated argument over the president’s decision. Their shouting match briefly disrupted proceedings but did not influence the day’s agenda.
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Instead, the House focused on investigating the Federal Government’s conditional cash transfer programme. Moving a motion on the matter, Honourable Abass Adigun reminded the House that programme nominees were promised ₦50,000 monthly payments for three months starting in August 2024.
“Some nominees received payments months after completing the process, while others have not received anything to date. The National Cash Transfer Office has also failed to respond to inquiries regarding unpaid beneficiaries,” Adigun stated.
The House resolved to probe the irregularities surrounding the disbursement of funds.