The Nigerian Senate has officially approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and the state’s House of Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision following a closed-door session that lasted over an hour on Thursday. Akpabio stated that the Senate’s decision was based on “its Orders 133, 134, 135 and 136.”
The move follows a letter from President Tinubu, which Akpabio read aloud during the Senate’s plenary session. The letter formally notified the Senate of the state of emergency proclamation. “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025,” the letter stated.
The key aspects of the proclamation, as outlined in the letter, included: “A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, River State.” It also specified “The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.” Additionally, President Tinubu announced “An appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba, as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.”
President Tinubu’s letter concluded with, “While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
After reading the President’s letter, Akpabio immediately directed, “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for Immediate passage.”
Prior to the Senate’s deliberation, Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, initiated a procedural move by raising “a point of Order 133 that has to do with having a closed-door session,” paving the way for the discussion that led to the Senate’s approval of the emergency rule.
