The Senate has approved the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, endorsing the decision during a closed-door session on Thursday.
The emergency measure, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and other elected officials, was discussed extensively before lawmakers reached a resolution.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the session after reading a letter from Tinubu during plenary. A motion for a closed-door meeting was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Following deliberations, Akpabio conducted a voice vote, and the legislators overwhelmingly approved the proclamation under Section 305(2) of the Constitution.
“We trust that this decision will help restore peace and resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State,” Akpabio stated.
In addition to approving the emergency rule, the Senate recommended that President Tinubu establish an ad hoc committee of respected Nigerians to mediate between the conflicting parties in the state.
The lawmakers also advised that the state of emergency be periodically reviewed and lifted no later than six months from now. To ensure oversight, the Senate agreed to set up a joint ad hoc committee with members from both chambers of the National Assembly to monitor the situation in Rivers State.
