The Senate postponed its debate on President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State due to the absence of several lawmakers. The discussion, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was rescheduled for Thursday to allow more senators to participate.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, explained the reason for the delay in an interview with journalists. He noted that some senators were absent due to the ongoing Ramadan fast, while others simply did not attend the session.
“First thing tomorrow morning, the proclamation will be debated. By then, information will have gone to other members. Some members are fasting; they are praying in their homes. Tomorrow, they will be here, and then by 10 o’clock, we pick it up. We are in tandem with Mr. President,” Ibrahim stated.
He further mentioned that while there were 68 senators present, including 10 members of the Senate leadership, the matter required wider participation. He stressed the importance of addressing the security concerns in Rivers State, describing it as an issue that should not be taken lightly.
The debate was initially delayed to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, but when attendance remained low, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved to postpone it entirely. Bamidele cited Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to justify the decision, which was supported by Minority Leader Abba Moro and agreed upon through a voice vote.
The emergency declaration in Rivers State, announced by Tinubu on Tuesday night, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Tinubu attributed the decision to prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security concerns in the oil-rich state.
To enforce the emergency rule, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority, meaning at least 73 out of 109 senators must approve it. However, there are concerns that this threshold may not be met during Thursday’s session.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim clarified that the emergency rule does not signify the complete dissolution of democratic governance in Rivers State. He stated that it was only a temporary suspension meant to create room for dialogue and resolution of political conflicts.
“The President did not dissolve democratic constitutions. He only suspended them for six months. And these six months will enable parties to go to the table, find out their differences, and come together so that there can be peace in Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria,” he explained.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a long-standing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The political tension has reportedly affected governance and security in the state, prompting Tinubu’s intervention.
To oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the sole administrator. His role will be to stabilize the situation until normal governance can resume.
