From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Senate has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, aligning with the earlier endorsement by the House of Representatives.
The decision came after lawmakers considered and adopted a letter from President Tinubu, which was read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, the President cited Section 305, Subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for the emergency rule, forwarding copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025 for the Senate’s review.
The proclamation includes the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and all members of the State House of Assembly, as well as the appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboette Ibas as the State Administrator, subject to directives issued by the President.
Following the reading of the letter, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session, citing Order 135 of the Senate rules, with Minority Leader Abba Moro seconding the motion.
Akpabio noted that the closed-door session was in accordance with Senate Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136.
After deliberations, the Senate adopted the motion and resolved to set up a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to find a political resolution to the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.
