The Senate and House of Representatives have approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that has stirred significant controversy across the nation.
The approval, which came on Thursday 20 March, 2025 after intense debates and closed-door sessions, endorses the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The decision aligns with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which Tinubu invoked on Tuesday, 18 March, 2025 citing a political crisis and security threats, including pipeline vandalism, as justification for the extraordinary measure.
In his proclamation letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and presented to the House by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Tinubu outlined the terms: the suspension of the state’s executive and legislative arms, the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator and the preservation of the judiciary’s functions. The president emphasised that the administrator would not enact new laws but could propose regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council. Tinubu argued that the measure was necessary to restore peace and order, pointing to “disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants” and the state government’s alleged inaction.
The National Assembly’s approval, however, came with amendments reflecting lawmakers’ concerns. The House of Representatives, with 243 members present, passed the proclamation via voice vote but recommended that the National Assembly assume the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly during the six-month period.
Additionally, Representative Ali Isa JC successfully moved an amendment to allow a review of the emergency duration, potentially shortening it if peace is restored earlier, a motion seconded by Representative Miriam Onuoha.
The Senate, after a closed-door session prompted by Senator Seriake Dickson’s point of order, also endorsed the six-month suspension but urged swift action to address the underlying crisis.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism. The Nigerian Bar Association and opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have labelled it unconstitutional, arguing that the president lacks authority to suspend elected officials. Despite the backlash, the National Assembly’s ratification solidifies Tinubu’s intervention, placing Rivers State under federal control as the nation watches the unfolding political drama.
Leave a Reply