The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in the oil-rich state, marking a new chapter in the escalating political crisis.
The approval came after a closed-door session held by lawmakers on Thursday, where senators deliberated on the controversial suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the federal takeover of the state’s administration.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the session, after which the lawmakers backed Tinubu’s emergency rule proclamation.
This legislative approval follows Wednesday’s swearing-in of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
Ibas wasted no time assuming his role. Arriving at the Rivers State Government House on Thursday morning, he immediately presided over a closed-door meeting with senior security officers, a federal government delegation, and top state government officials.
Pictures obtained by SaharaReporters show Ibas in action, signalling the full federal takeover of Rivers State’s governance just hours after Tinubu’s directive.
Before reaching their decision, senators held a highly secretive session to consider the implications of Tinubu’s move.
The closed session was initiated after Senate President Akpabio read a letter from the president seeking legislative approval for the emergency rule.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for the closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules, stating, “In the first instance, I came under Order 1(b) of our rules, which gives us power to regulate our procedure. The first task was for me to inform our colleagues that we are going to adjust the items on the order paper. The next step, of course, is to move a motion for us to enter a closed session pursuant to Order 135 of our rules.”
The motion was quickly seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, paving the way for behind-the-scenes deliberations.
The House of Representatives had earlier thrown its weight behind Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule, voting overwhelmingly in favour of the controversial declaration.
With both legislative chambers now in agreement, Tinubu’s takeover of Rivers State is effectively sealed as requested by the country’s constitution.
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).”
