Senate on Wednesday stepped down four items listed on the Order Paper of the day, including a motion to approve the proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu till Thursday, without providing any explanation for its action.
Other items postponed are the report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund on the “Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Egbe, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill, 2025”; a motion on the “Urgent need to address systemic abuse and ineffective implementation of the federal character principle in Nigeria’s public service”; and three bills for concurrence from the House of Representatives.
The motion on the “Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State” was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), was first stepped down as the first item on the Orders of the Day at the beginning of plenary until 3pm, but was eventually postponed till the following legislative day (Thursday) for debate and approval of the federal legislature as demanded by the constitution.
To approve the declaration, the Senate requires a two-third majority (73 out of 109 senators) to allow the emergency rule to take effect.
The Senate, as stated in the motion, notes with serious concern that Rivers State has been experiencing serious political crises and disturbances which presently constitute great threats to peace, order, good governance, security safety to the state and her citizens.
It also notes that “the state has been at a standstill since the crises started with the good people of Rivers State not being able to enjoy the dividend of democracy.”
The Red Chamber further observes that the magnitude of the crises has overwhelmed the state government as parties involved have not allowed good sense to prevail and bring about peace in the state, hence the federal government attempt to restore peace, security and good governance.
“Worried that 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 vandalization of oil pipelines.
“Convinced that there is the need to provide adequate and extra ordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security in Rivers State,” the Senate states.
President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a State of Emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the oil rich South-South state.
Tinubu made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu; and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.
The President, however, nominated a former Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months, hinging his decision on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he can’t continue to watch the political situation in Rivers escalate without taking any action.