The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, giving him the authority to enforce emergency measures for up to six months.
The decision, made on Thursday during plenary, follows the approval of the same measure by the House of Representatives. Lawmakers also agreed to form a mediation committee consisting of respected Nigerians to help resolve the political crisis in the state.
A joint committee of both chambers of the National Assembly will oversee the administration of Rivers State throughout the emergency period.
During the plenary session, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, invited lawmakers to discuss the President’s report on the crisis.
Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, suggested the creation of a national mediation committee to restore peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The House approved the proposal.
The Minority Whip also argued that the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly should not be permanent.
“If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before six months,” he said. The House agreed with this suggestion.
Before the debate, Speaker Abbas read a letter from President Tinubu notifying lawmakers about the state of emergency.
An attempt by Abia lawmaker, Obi Agwuncha, to challenge the debate based on constitutional provisions was overruled by the Speaker. Agwuncha cited Section 305 (6b) of the Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority of members in plenary to approve such a decision. However, his argument did not stop the discussion.
With both chambers of the National Assembly now in agreement, President Tinubu has full authority to implement emergency measures in Rivers State while efforts continue to find a peaceful resolution.
