Senate Endorses Six-Month State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Senate Backs Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

Let’s break this down for you. The Senate has officially approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. This move comes after a lengthy closed-door session filled with intense debates and political maneuvering. The approval was granted through a voice vote, which, despite some controversy, saw no dissenting voices.

Now, here’s the thing: This decision wasn’t made lightly. The Senate invoked its constitutional powers under Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It’s a significant move, and it underscores the gravity of the situation in Rivers State. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made it clear during the session that this state of emergency would be subject to review and could be terminated at any time, though it won’t exceed six months.

Senate President Akpabio Speaks Out

After the closed session, Senate President Akpabio addressed the chamber with a clear and firm tone. He stated, “The Senate, invoking its powers under Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), approves the proclamation of a state of emergency declared by Mr. President in Rivers State.” That’s a powerful statement, one that carries weight and responsibility.

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But Akpabio didn’t stop there. He went on to clarify that the Senate wasn’t just rubber-stamping the decision. This state of emergency would be closely monitored, and the Senate retained the authority to terminate it if necessary. To ensure accountability, Akpabio announced the invocation of Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Constitution. This grants the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint ad hoc committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period.

Committee of Eminent Nigerians Proposed

Here’s another interesting development: Akpabio suggested forming a Committee of Eminent Nigerians. This committee would play a crucial role in helping reconcile warring factions within the state during this challenging time. It’s a smart move, aimed at fostering unity and stability. Akpabio then called for final ratification, asking the senators to voice their approval. The response was a resounding “aye,” with no dissenting voices.

After the vote, Akpabio adjourned the Senate for an hour to pass the votes and proceedings of the session. The Senate later adjourned to Tuesday, March 25, 2025. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During the closed-door session, some senators voiced strong opposition to the emergency declaration. Notably, Senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), and Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) walked out of the chamber in protest.

Voice Vote Amid Controversy

Despite the controversy, the Senate opted for a voice vote rather than a formal vote count. Why? Allegedly, due to a lack of quorum. Now, here’s the kicker: Although 64 senators signed the attendance register, sources indicate this didn’t meet the required quorum for such an important decision. Presiding officers typically don’t sign the register, as they enter the chamber separately with principal officers. Earlier in the plenary, Senate President Akpabio read a letter from President Tinubu formally notifying the Senate of the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara.

The letter outlined the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the suspension of the Governor, his Deputy, and the State House of Assembly members, as well as the appointment of Vice-Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (Retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state. President Tinubu urged the Senate to act swiftly on the proclamation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Tensions Rise: Akpabio and Dickson Clash

Before the closed session, tensions flared between Senate President Akpabio and Senator Seriake Dickson over procedural matters. As Akpabio read the state of emergency gazette, Dickson raised a point of order, arguing that the Senate must hold a closed session before debating the emergency. Akpabio dismissed Dickson’s objection, stating, “I already know where you stand on this. I watched you on television saying the Senate would never go with your view.”

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Dickson, undeterred, insisted on his right to speak, saying, “Mr. Senate President, mutual respect is crucial. I have regard for you, and I expect the same in return.” After a brief exchange, Akpabio acknowledged Dickson’s procedural point, leading to the closed session where the Senate ultimately approved the proclamation. Dickson had cited Order 133 of the Senate Standing Rules, which stipulates that upon a state of emergency proclamation, the President must immediately transmit copies of the official Gazette to the Senate President and provide a compendium of background information on the situation.

Procedural Rules Highlighted

According to the rules, the Senate President must convene a session within three working days, and the President must brief the Senate in a closed session before deliberations. The Senate must then resolve into a Committee of the Whole to consider the proclamation before making a final decision. President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State follows months of political instability. A power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory), has led to governance paralysis in the state.

The crisis has involved constitutional breaches and security threats, prompting the need for federal intervention. In response, Tinubu appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (Retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state to oversee its affairs. Ibas, who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, now faces the task of stabilizing the state. The Senate’s approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State remains a highly controversial decision, marked by significant divisions, procedural disputes, and opposition walkouts.

What Lies Ahead?

While the federal government aims to restore order, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this unprecedented intervention will bring stability or further deepen political unrest in the state. The eyes of the nation are on Rivers State, and the success or failure of this intervention will have ripple effects across the country. Only time will tell if this bold move will bring the much-needed peace and stability to Rivers State.