Similar to the House of Representatives, the Senate has also approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, exercising its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.
This approval grants President Tinubu the authority to implement emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.
In line with the Constitution, the National Assembly has established a joint committee from both chambers to oversee the management of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.
Furthermore, the Senate has agreed to form a mediation committee composed of prominent Nigerians to assist in resolving the state’s ongoing political crisis.
READ ALSO: Suspension of Fubara and Others a Clear Violation of the Constitution – Amaechi
Earlier, the House of Representatives also endorsed President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
In a voice vote, the lawmakers expressed their support for the President’s decision, just two days after it was announced.
A total of 240 members of the House attended the session, which was presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
During their deliberations, the House introduced some amendments, including the establishment of a mediation committee of eminent Nigerians. They also pointed out that the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to legislate for a state when its house of assembly is unable to carry out its duties, in contrast to the Federal Government’s plan for the Federal Executive Council to take over this responsibility.
READ ALSO: [Emergency Rule] AGF Blames Fubara, Defends Tinubu, Wike
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed a sole administrator to manage the state’s affairs, a move that has sparked widespread criticism.
Legal experts, governors, and notable Nigerians, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have condemned the declaration and called for its reversal.
Despite the backlash, the Federal Government has strongly supported President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that it is necessary to restore peace to the oil-rich state.
