The Nigerian Senate has officially approved the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The decision was reached during a closed-door session on Thursday, following a deliberation on the president’s proclamation and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The emergency declaration, which has been a subject of national debate, was formally brought before the Senate when Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Tinubu requesting legislative approval. Subsequently, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules, a motion that was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Senate’s Deliberation and Approval
During the closed-door session, senators extensively discussed the political crisis in Rivers State, the necessity of the emergency declaration, and its potential impact on governance and stability. Akpabio later called for a voice vote, and the majority of lawmakers approved the request.
Announcing the decision, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its constitutional power under Section 305(2) to endorse the president’s proclamation.
He expressed hope that the emergency measure would foster peace and resolve the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
“We hope that the President’s declaration will foster peace and resolve the ongoing impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio remarked.
Rivers State has been embroiled in political instability for nearly two years, with a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The conflict escalated to a governance deadlock, culminating in violent clashes and disruptions within the state legislature.
President Tinubu, citing the deteriorating security situation and political stalemate, declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly members for a period of six months.
The move led to mixed reactions, with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, condemning the decision as unconstitutional, while others argued that it was necessary to restore order.
Senate’s Recommendations and Conditions
While approving the emergency rule, the Senate made key recommendations to ensure a smooth resolution of the crisis. Among them:
- Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee: The Senate urged President Tinubu to establish a committee composed of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions in Rivers State.
- Review and Termination Clause: The lawmakers agreed that the President should review or terminate the state of emergency at any time if the situation improves, but in any case, the emergency rule should not exceed six months.
- Oversight by the National Assembly: A joint ad hoc committee, with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, will be set up to oversee the situation in Rivers State and provide periodic reports on the progress of the intervention.
Reactions to the Senate’s Approval
Following the Senate’s decision, reactions have been swift from various political stakeholders. Supporters of President Tinubu and some lawmakers argued that the emergency rule was a necessary step to prevent the situation in Rivers from spiraling out of control.
However, opposition leaders have remained critical of the move. Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other opposition figures have called on the National Assembly to resist what they describe as an “unconstitutional power grab.” They argue that suspending an elected governor without due process sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
The approval of the emergency rule also raises questions about governance in Rivers State over the next six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas has been appointed as the state’s administrator, effectively taking over governance responsibilities during the emergency period.
With the Senate and House of Representatives both approving the emergency declaration, all eyes will now be on the implementation of the intervention measures.
The ad hoc committee’s effectiveness in mediating between political factions and restoring stability will be crucial in determining whether the emergency rule achieves its intended goals.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and human rights groups have called for vigilance to ensure that the state of emergency does not lead to undue suppression of democratic rights in Rivers State. Some groups have also threatened to challenge the declaration in court.
As the situation unfolds, the political landscape in Rivers State and Nigeria at large remains tense, with the potential for further legal and political battles in the weeks ahead.
The Nigerian Senate has officially approved the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The decision was reached during a closed-door session on Thursday, following a deliberation on the president’s proclamation and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The emergency declaration, which has been a subject of national debate, was formally brought before the Senate when Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Tinubu requesting legislative approval.
Subsequently, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules, a motion that was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Senate’s Deliberation and Approval
During the closed-door session, senators extensively discussed the political crisis in Rivers State, the necessity of the emergency declaration, and its potential impact on governance and stability. Akpabio later called for a voice vote, and the majority of lawmakers approved the request.
Announcing the decision, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its constitutional power under Section 305(2) to endorse the president’s proclamation.
He expressed hope that the emergency measure would foster peace and resolve the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
“We hope that the President’s declaration will foster peace and resolve the ongoing impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio remarked.
Rivers State has been embroiled in political instability for nearly two years, with a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The conflict escalated to a governance deadlock, culminating in violent clashes and disruptions within the state legislature.
President Tinubu, citing the deteriorating security situation and political stalemate, declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly members for a period of six months.
The move led to mixed reactions, with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, condemning the decision as unconstitutional, while others argued that it was necessary to restore order.
Senate’s Recommendations and Conditions
While approving the emergency rule, the Senate made key recommendations to ensure a smooth resolution of the crisis. Among them:
- Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee: The Senate urged President Tinubu to establish a committee composed of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions in Rivers State.
- Review and Termination Clause: The lawmakers agreed that the President should review or terminate the state of emergency at any time if the situation improves, but in any case, the emergency rule should not exceed six months.
- Oversight by the National Assembly: A joint ad hoc committee, with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, will be set up to oversee the situation in Rivers State and provide periodic reports on the progress of the intervention.
Reactions to the Senate’s Approval
Following the Senate’s decision, reactions have been swift from various political stakeholders. Supporters of President Tinubu and some lawmakers argued that the emergency rule was a necessary step to prevent the situation in Rivers from spiraling out of control.
However, opposition leaders have remained critical of the move. Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other opposition figures have called on the National Assembly to resist what they describe as an “unconstitutional power grab.” They argue that suspending an elected governor without due process sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
The approval of the emergency rule also raises questions about governance in Rivers State over the next six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas has been appointed as the state’s administrator, effectively taking over governance responsibilities during the emergency period.
With the Senate and House of Representatives both approving the emergency declaration, all eyes will now be on the implementation of the intervention measures.
The ad hoc committee’s effectiveness in mediating between political factions and restoring stability will be crucial in determining whether the emergency rule achieves its intended goals.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and human rights groups have called for vigilance to ensure that the state of emergency does not lead to undue suppression of democratic rights in Rivers State. Some groups have also threatened to challenge the declaration in court.
As the situation unfolds, the political landscape in Rivers State and Nigeria at large remains tense, with the potential for further legal and political battles in the weeks ahead.
