Senate Gives Approval To President Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers

The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

With this approval, President Tinubu is now empowered to enforce emergency measures in the state, with provisions for a periodic review of the situation, not exceeding six months.

The announcement came after an executive session of the Senate on Thursday, which lasted close to an hour.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed the decision, emphasizing that the approval grants the President the necessary authority to restore stability in Rivers State.

Akpabio stated that the Senate relied on its Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136 to pass the resolution.

Earlier, Akpabio disclosed that Tinubu had written the Senate a letter of proclamation on the six-month suspension he slammed on Fubara.

The letter reads in parts in plenary by President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio , “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 main features of the proclamation are as follows.

“A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, Rivers State.

“The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

“An appointment of Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as Administrator of the State.

“While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Akpabio, after reading the letter, added, “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for Immediate passage.”

James Itodo, Edited By Blessing Nyor