Senate approves emergency rule in Rivers

The senate has approved the request of President Bola Tinubu for emergency rule in Rivers state.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter during Thursday’s plenary before lawmakers went into a closed-door session. 

After the session, Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote, with lawmakers overwhelmingly supporting the request.

Announcing the decision, Akpabio said the senate had exercised its powers under section 305(2) of the constitution to approve the president’s proclamation.

“It is our hope that this declaration by the president will bring peace and resolve all the impasse in Rivers state,” Akpabio said.

The senate also called on Tinubu to set up an ad hoc committee of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the rival factions driving the crisis in Rivers.

Lawmakers resolved that Tinubu reviews or terminates the state of emergency at any given time not later than the six months.

Senate also resolved to be provided authority to set up an ad hoc committee comprising both chambers of the national assembly to oversight Rivers state.

BACKGROUND

Rivers state has been at the centre of a deepening political feud between Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, current minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Tinubu intervened in December 2023, brokering a peace deal between both sides.

However, tensions persisted, culminating in an attempt by the state assembly to impeach Fubara. 

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

The move effectively dissolved the existing government structure, placing the state under federal control.

With emergency rule now in effect, the federal government is expected to oversee key governance and security matters in the state.