The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.
The approval grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.
The National Assembly has also imposed a joint committee of both chambers, to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.
Rivers Declaration: President Tinubu Writes National Assembly
Mediation Committee
Additionally, the Nigerian Senate also resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.
President Tinubu had on Thursday wrote the National Assembly, urging them to consider the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, that suspended the governor, his deputy from office and members of Rivers state House of Assembly.
President Tinubu in the letter which was read at plenary same Thursday, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate said:
“In compliance with the provisions of section 305 sub-question 2 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“I hereby forward for the consideration of the senate copies of the official Gazette of the state of emergency proclamation 2025.
” The main features of the proclamation are as follows : A declaration of a state of emergency in one state of the federation, namely Rivers state.
” The suspension from office of the governor his deputy and all members of the state house of assembly and appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Iba retired as administrator to administer the state subject to any instruction and regulation as made from time to time and issued by me .
“While I look forward to the expeditous consideration of the Senate, please accept distinguished Senate President the assurances of my highest consideration”.
Nigerian President Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State
There was a rowdy session at the commencement of the sitting in the House but in the Senate, Senator Akpabio after reading the letter, committed it for immediate consideration.
Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidela (APC-Ekiti) moved a motion that the senate reorders the items on the order paper to take t the first item , which is motion on the president’s letter on proclamation a of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The motion was consequently seconded by Senator Abba Moro(PDP-Benue).
Senator Henry Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) raised a point of order, saying that his order was for the senate to be sure of its procedure.
However, President of Senate interjected, saying that he watched Senator Dickson to have said on a television interview that the senate would not have his support on the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers.
Senator Akpabio said the senate would certainly not go with Senator Dickson’s position, saying it was not good to speak on television, when the senate was yet to deliberate on issue of proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers.
Senator Dickson after he was allowed to complete his point , said it was important for lawmakers to have mutual respect for one another saying that he had respect for Akpabio as the presiding officer.
He drew the attention of the senate to the specific provisions of the Senate rule, saying that order 135 of the rule states that the President of Senate shall in a close session brief the senate on the circumstances leading to the proclamation of a declaration of a state of emergency.
Close Session
Senator Akpabio consequently upheld the point of order, saying that the senate leader was about moving the motion for the senate to go into a close session.
Senate thereafter resolved into a close session to deliberate on the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
On Tuesday, March 19, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the oil rich South-South state.
President Tinubu made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu; and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.
The president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months.
Confidence Okwuchi
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