Inside The Controversial Move To Declare A State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Minister Nyesom Wike Allegedly Hands Over Millions to Rally Senate Support

In a move that has raised eyebrows across the political landscape, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is reportedly at the center of a high-stakes effort to secure Senate backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. According to sources speaking to SaharaReporters, Wike was instructed by President Tinubu himself to lay the groundwork for this critical decision, and he wasted no time in taking action.

Details are emerging that suggest Wike met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, where he allegedly handed over more than $3 million. The funds, it is claimed, were then distributed among senators during a private Iftar gathering. Sources indicate that the disbursement was based on seniority, with higher-ranking senators receiving larger sums. However, not everyone was on board. Former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal reportedly opted out of the gathering, choosing to sit this one out.

Senate Maneuvering: Delay Tactics and Quorum Concerns

As the drama unfolded on Wednesday, the Senate received an official communication from President Tinubu detailing the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly. The motion to deliberate on the matter was initially scheduled as the first item on the day’s agenda, but Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders to delay the debate until 3 p.m. Minority Leader Abba Moro quickly seconded the motion.

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Insiders suggest that Akpabio’s decision to push the debate back was a deliberate strategy to reduce the number of senators present. With fewer than 60 senators in attendance—far below the 72 needed for quorum—it was clear that the move was calculated to minimize opposition. This tactic, however, has not gone unnoticed and has sparked criticism over transparency and democratic principles.

House of Representatives: A Quorum Crisis

Meanwhile, over at the House of Representatives, the vote on Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration faced a similar fate. The session was marred by a glaring lack of quorum, with fewer than 80 lawmakers showing up. For a valid vote, the House requires a minimum of 240 members. As a result, the session was limited to non-binding activities, leaving the declaration hanging in limbo.

Tensions were palpable as lawmakers clashed over the legitimacy of the state of emergency. Many expressed frustration, questioning the president’s authority to remove an elected governor. Constitutional concerns loomed large, with some members openly challenging the legality of the move. The heated exchanges underscored the deep divisions within the legislative body.

Tinubu's Bold Declaration: Suspension and Appointment

Naija News reports that President Tinubu’s declaration, announced on Tuesday evening, is a sweeping move that suspends Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. To oversee the state during this time, Tinubu has appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the sole administrator. This appointment has drawn both praise and criticism, with opinions sharply divided on its implications for the state and the nation as a whole.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are on how this unfolding drama will impact Nigeria’s governance and its democratic processes. One thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher.