By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate has approved a state of emergency in Rivers State following a closed-door session on Thursday to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s request for constitutional backing.
The decision, which came after intense debate, endorses the President’s proclamation on Rivers State.
The Senate’s approval followed a motion titled “Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers,” sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio announced the resolution after the executive session, confirming that the chamber had met the constitutional threshold under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.
The House of Representatives had earlier approved the proclamation via a voice vote on Thursday morning.
With both chambers now in agreement, Tinubu’s announcement of a state of emergency in Rivers State will stand despite massive criticism.
It would be recalled that the emergency rule, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu and the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six months, has drawn sharp criticism from many Nigerians, including radical Lagos Lawyer Mr Femi Falana, SAN, and many political leaders.
Some legal experts had argued that the decision, which saw retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas appointed as sole administrator, amounts to a constitutional blunder, breach and an unwarranted action on the part of Tinubu.
