The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the Rivers State 2025 Appropriation Bill, totaling N1.48 trillion.
The approval came after the presentation and consideration of the report by the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary in Abuja.
During his presentation, Senator Bamidele emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers was not a substitute for democratic governance. He stated, “Rather, it is an extraordinary constitutional measure intended to restore order in times of disorder, promote peace in periods of conflict, and ensure stability where there is instability.”
Bamidele defended the legality of the emergency declaration, noting that it was grounded in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. “As you are all aware, these provisions legitimately empower both the President and the National Assembly to act in the interest of national stability and constitutional governance,” he explained. “Neither the President nor the National Assembly has violated any constitutional provision in the maintenance of national security. With respect to the former, or specifically in the exercise of our oversight powers guided by the 1999 Constitution, to prevent executive absolutism.”
He further clarified that the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, established the ad hoc committee specifically to oversee the implementation of the state of emergency in Rivers. “It is upon this premise that the Senate, under the leadership of Sen. Godswill Akpabio, deemed it necessary to constitute this ad hoc committee. To oversight the implementation of the State of emergency rule in Rivers.”
Quoting constitutional backing for the Senate’s action, Bamidele said, “In line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make laws necessary for the peace, order, and good governance of any state. This is where the House of Assembly is unable to perform its legislative functions due to prevailing circumstances. This provision directly applies to Rivers,” he added.
According to Bamidele, the committee’s review showed that the budget aligns with the broader goals of the emergency administration. Notably, 72 percent of the total budget was dedicated to capital projects aimed at economic recovery and improving public sector efficiency in Rivers State.
In his contribution, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau praised the committee’s report and its leadership. He remarked, “There is proof that he is actually the leader of the Senate because of the quality of the report. There is nothing one can hide here. It is well structured, properly put together, and produced in the best manner possible.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also expressed appreciation to the committee for their diligence in carrying out the assignment.
President Bola Tinubu had submitted the Rivers 2025 budget to the National Assembly for approval on May 28. This submission followed the March 18 declaration of emergency rule in the state and the suspension of Governor Siminilayi Fubara along with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly amid a deepening political crisis.
