The Senate and House of Representatives have approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The House of Representatives passed the proclamation earlier in the day through a voice vote, with 243 members in attendance. Along with approving the emergency rule, the House recommended the formation of a national committee to restore peace in Rivers and proposed that the National Assembly assume legislative control of the state for six months.
Senate’s Decision
In the Senate, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the emergency rule following a closed-door session that lasted over an hour. The decision was based on Senate Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136.
Before the approval, Akpabio read aloud Tinubu’s letter to the Senate, which outlined the details of the emergency proclamation. The letter, referencing Section 305, Subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspended the governor, deputy governor, and all state assembly members, and appointed Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba as the state administrator under Tinubu’s directive.
“This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for immediate passage,” Akpabio stated after reading it.
Senator Dickson’s Objection
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised objections, citing Senate Order 133, which concerns the process of holding a closed-door session. During plenary, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi moved to reorder the Order Paper to prioritize discussion on the emergency rule, but Dickson interjected, questioning the handling of the matter.
Akpabio, however, hesitated to grant Dickson the floor, referencing the senator’s previous televised remarks in which he allegedly opposed the Senate’s stance on the emergency declaration.
“Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue. If we argue, it won’t be good for any of us. You were a former governor, and I was a former governor. Please turn off your mic and sit down,” Akpabio insisted.
Dickson countered by emphasizing the importance of mutual respect among senators. “Mr. Senate President, you know we must have mutual respect for all our colleagues. And I do have regard for you, particularly as our presiding officer, and I think that should be reciprocal,” he responded.
Despite the tense exchange, the Senate proceeded with its approval of Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers State.
