The Senate has formally approved the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that cited the deepening political turmoil and worsening security situation in the oil-rich South-South State.
The Senate also resolved that the state of emergency declared in the proclamation may be reviewed or terminated by the President at any time, but it must not exceed a period of six months.
The Senate invoked its constitutional powers under Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to ratify the emergency rule during Wednesday’s plenary.
These resolutions followed a letter sent to the chamber requesting the consideration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Shortly after reading the letter from the President, a motion for a closed session to deliberate on the issue was moved by the Leader of the Senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who expressed grave concern over the prolonged instability gripping Rivers State. The closed session lasted for over an hour.
According to the day’s order paper, Bamidele noted that Rivers State had been reduced to a battleground of political interests, with the deepening rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, throwing the state into unprecedented chaos. He said the power tussle has paralyzed governance and denied citizens access to the dividends of democracy.
He said, “The magnitude of the crisis has overwhelmed the State Government as parties involved have not allowed good sense to prevail and bring about peace in the State hence Federal Government’s attempt to restore peace, security and good governance.”
The Senate Leader further raised alarm over escalating threats from militant groups who, according to intelligence reports, have vowed to unleash violence.
“There is a clear and present danger of the crises as some militants had threatened fire and brimstone with security report of disturbing incidents of vandalisation of oil pipelines,” he warned.
Bamidele confirmed that President Tinubu had complied with constitutional provisions by publishing the proclamation and officially transmitting the gazette to the Senate President for legislative approval.
He described the situation as “a matter of serious national concern” warranting urgent intervention to protect lives, restore order, and safeguard Nigeria’s strategic economic assets concentrated in the region.
“This matter is of serious concern to the senate and the generality of Nigerians,” he lamented.
The senate’s approval followed barely 24 hours after President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Returning from the closed session, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio announced the approval, invoking Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to ratify such a proclamation.
He said, “The senate further resolved that Section 11, Subsection 4 be invoked, providing the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint Admin Committee of both chambers to oversight the administration of privacy henceforth.
“The senate further resolved that a Committee to reconcile the warring groups within the government of River State should consist of eminent Nigerian.”
