The Nigerian Senate has approved the creation of a Joint Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency.
The resolution came after a closed-door session on Thursday, where lawmakers debated the next steps in the ongoing political crisis.
While reading the Senate’s resolutions, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated: “The Senate mandates the President to review or terminate the state of emergency at any given time but not later than six months.”
He further announced the decision to invoke Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, granting the National Assembly the authority to set up an oversight body for the governance of Rivers State.
“The Senate further resolved that Section 11, Subsection 4 be invoked, providing the National Assembly the authority to set up a Joint Ad Hoc Committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State henceforth.”
In a move to address the deep-seated tensions fueling the crisis, Akpabio also revealed that the Senate had agreed to establish a reconciliation panel comprising respected figures.
“The Senate further resolved that a committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups within the government of Rivers State within the period of the state of emergency in Rivers State,” he said.
“The Senate further resolved that the committee should consist of eminent Nigerians.”
This development follows the Nigerian Senate’s approval of President Tinubu’s request to impose emergency rule in Rivers State.
The move sparked a national debate after a dramatic power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Earlier on Thursday, the House of Representatives backed Tinubu’s proclamation, paving the way for the suspension of Governor Fubara and others.
On Wednesday, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of Rivers State, taking over the state’s governance. Ibas wasted no time in assuming office.
On Thursday, he held a closed-door meeting with security officials, federal government representatives, and senior state officials.
The Senate’s latest resolution strengthens federal control over the state, effectively sidelining local governance structures under the emergency rule framework
BACKGROUND
On Wednesday, SaharaReporters reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had reportedly provided funds to Senate President Akpabio to rally senators in support of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
However, the Senate deferred discussions on the matter until 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Although the motion to deliberate on Tinubu’s letter was listed as the first item on the day’s Order Paper, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Following the postponement, the Senate moved on to other agenda items, including the confirmation of nominees for the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Sources told SaharaReporters that Akpabio intentionally delayed the debate on the Rivers State emergency rule until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.
“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio as they met yesterday after Tinubu told him to do the groundwork for the State of Emergency. Over $3 million was provided when Wike met Akpabio,” one of the sources said.
“Akpabio then invited some Senators to Iftar after which he gave them dollars depending on their seniority.”
However, sources said some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several other former governors, did not attend the Iftar.
“The announcement was made during Iftar,” a source said.
“The senators requested an open vote, but Akpabio postponed it until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.
“At least 72 senators are required to sign, but fewer than 60 were present today. The House of Representatives also needs a minimum of 240 votes. Meanwhile, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, was not informed, which explains the chaos in the House of Representatives today (Wednesday).”