Senate Joins House In Approving Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers, Calls For Mediation

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, mirroring the earlier endorsement by the House of Representatives. This decision, taken under the constitutional authority of the amended 1999 Constitution, grants the President the power to implement emergency measures to address the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s request during Thursday’s plenary before lawmakers entered a closed-door session. Upon their return, Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote, with an overwhelming majority supporting the declaration. Announcing the decision, he affirmed that the Senate had acted under Section 305(2) of the Constitution to approve the emergency rule.

“It is our hope that this declaration by the president will bring peace and resolve all the impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio stated.

In addition to approving emergency measures, the National Assembly has established a joint oversight committee from both chambers to supervise the administration of the state during the emergency period, which must be reviewed periodically and cannot exceed six months without further legislative action.

Furthermore, the Senate has urged President Tinubu to constitute a mediation committee comprising eminent Nigerians to foster dialogue and reconciliation between the warring factions fueling the political crisis.

Similarly, the House of Representatives approved Tinubu’s request during its plenary session on Thursday. However, the decision sparked debate over whether the approval process met the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority.

A voice vote was used instead of a headcount, raising concerns over procedural accuracy. Lawmaker Obi Aguocha (Abia) challenged the method, citing Section 305(6)(b) of the Constitution, which requires a formal vote count. However, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled that the attendance register would serve as proof of quorum.

Despite calls for transparency from some lawmakers, the House proceeded with a voice vote, where the motion was declared approved.

The National Assembly has imposed a joint committee from both chambers to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State throughout the emergency period.

Additionally, lawmakers recommended that the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), report directly to the National Assembly instead of the Federal Executive Council to ensure proper oversight.

A proposal was also adopted allowing Tinubu to terminate or review the emergency rule within six months if stability is restored.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats. As part of the directive, he suspended:

The crisis stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

To manage the state’s affairs, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator.