Tinubu, Rivers In Limbo As Senate Suspends State Of Emergency Approval

Palpable suspense now hangs over both the Presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rivers State  as the Senate, on Wednesday 19 March, 2025 postponed its decision on approving a state of emergency in the state, stepping down the motion until Thursday, 20 March, 2025

 The move came after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele proposed delaying the debate, a suggestion seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro and approved by a majority voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

 The motion, originally slated as the first item on the Senate’s agenda, was deferred without debate, leaving the approval process for President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration in limbo.

President Tinubu had declared the state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, 18 March, 2025 citing a prolonged political crisis that has allegedly paralysed governance and deprived residents of democratic benefits. 

The declaration followed escalating tensions, including a Supreme Court ruling in February against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and incidents of pipeline vandalism, which Tinubu linked to the state’s instability.

 President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months. 

However, under Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (As amended), such a proclamation requires a two-thirds majority approval from both the Senate and House of Representatives within two days.

The Senate’s delay has sparked speculation about logistical or political hurdles, with reports suggesting insufficient attendance to meet the required 73-vote threshold out of 109 senators. 

Critics, including the Nigerian Bar Association, have labeled Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional, arguing it oversteps presidential authority. 

Meanwhile, military presence has intensified in Rivers, heightening tensions.

The postponement reflects the complexity of the crisis, which pits Fubara against his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, splitting the state’s political landscape.

 As the Senate reconvenes tomorrow, the nation watches closely to see if Tinubu’s extraordinary measures will gain legislative backing or face rejection, potentially deepening Rivers’ governance deadlock.