The Senate, today, approved the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
The decision followed a closed-door session convened to deliberate on the proclamation and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier read President Tinubu’s letter on the matter during plenary before Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules.
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Following discussions, Akpabio called for a voice vote, after which the lawmakers endorsed the emergency declaration, exercising their constitutional powers under Section 305(2) saying, “We hope that the President’s decision will foster peace and resolve the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.”
The Senate also urged President Tinubu to establish an ad hoc committee comprising eminent Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions in the state.
Additionally, lawmakers advised that the state of emergency should be reviewed or terminated at any time but must not exceed six months.
To monitor developments, the Senate approved the formation of an ad hoc committee with members from both chambers of the National Assembly to oversee the situation in Rivers State.
