The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which also includes the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and other elected officials.
The decision was made on Thursday during a closed-door session where lawmakers deliberated on the president’s proclamation and its implications for the state.
The closed session was initiated after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from Tinubu explaining the need for the emergency rule. Following this, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion under Order 135 of the Senate rules to conduct a private discussion, which was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
After deliberations, the Senate took a voice vote, and the majority of lawmakers approved the president’s request. Announcing the decision, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its constitutional powers under Section 305(2) to endorse the emergency declaration.
“We hope that the President’s declaration will foster peace and resolve the ongoing impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio said.
The Senate also urged Tinubu to set up an ad hoc committee made up of respected Nigerians to mediate between the warring political factions in the state. Lawmakers believe that dialogue is necessary to restore political stability and prevent further chaos.
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Furthermore, the Senate agreed that the state of emergency should not be indefinite. It advised the president to review the situation periodically and consider lifting the emergency rule if peace is restored, but no later than six months from now.
In addition, the lawmakers approved the creation of an ad hoc committee, including members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, to monitor developments in Rivers State.
The crisis in Rivers State has been fueled by an ongoing political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The tensions have led to division within the state government, legislative conflicts, and a breakdown in governance.
On Tuesday night, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats. The President also suspended all elected officials and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff who served under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2021, is expected to restore order and manage the state’s affairs until stability is achieved.