After Reps’ approval, senate holds closed-door session on Rivers emergency rule

Following the House of Representatives’ approval, the Senate has convened a closed session to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, which includes the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the closed session after reading Tinubu’s letter during Thursday’s plenary.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele then moved a motion for the session under Order 135 of the Senate rules, which was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The House of Representatives had earlier approved Tinubu’s request, endorsing the emergency measures in Rivers State.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday night, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for six months. In a national address, he cited political instability, constitutional violations, and security concerns as reasons for the decision.

The crisis in Rivers State stems from a political power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, which has significantly disrupted governance in the oil-rich state.

To oversee the state’s affairs, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the sole administrator. Ibas, who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, will manage the state’s affairs until stability is restored.