THE SENATE has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, reinforcing the Federal Government’s authority to intervene in the state’s deepening political crisis.
The Explainer gathered that the decision, which mirrors the earlier approval by the House of Representatives, has sparked widespread debate among political analysts, legal experts, and opposition figures.
The approval grants Tinubu constitutional powers to enforce emergency measures for up to six months while subjecting the situation to periodic review. To ensure oversight, the National Assembly has established a joint committee to oversee the administration of the state during this period. Additionally, the Senate resolved to form a mediation committee comprising eminent Nigerians to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Rivers State has been at the centre of intense political conflict, with tensions escalating between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and key political figures.
The Explainer learned that the crisis stems from internal struggles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its influence over state politics. The conflict has led to factional disputes in the Rivers State House of Assembly, prompting concerns about governance stability.
President Tinubu’s proclamation, issued on Tuesday, suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the sole administrator of the state, effectively sidelining the elected government.
Legal experts and opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have strongly criticised the move, describing it as an unconstitutional power grab.
“This is an affront to democracy and the rule of law,” Atiku stated, calling for a reversal of the decision.
However, the Federal Government has defended the action, arguing that the measure was necessary to restore peace and order in the oil-rich state.
The Explainer gathered that the House of Representatives had earlier approved Tinubu’s decision through a voice vote, with 243 members present at the plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The House also made key recommendations, including the formation of a national mediation committee to ease political tensions and a provision allowing the National Assembly to assume legislative functions in the absence of a functional state assembly.
In the Senate, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the approval after a closed-door session lasting over an hour. He read Tinubu’s letter, which stated:
“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 consideration of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.”
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The letter outlined the key aspects of the emergency rule, including the suspension of elected officials and the appointment of a sole administrator.
The debate in the Senate was not without controversy. The Explainer learned that Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised a point of order concerning the Senate’s handling of the emergency rule.
He argued that due process required the chamber to first convene a closed-door session before debating the matter publicly.
However, Akpabio dismissed Dickson’s argument, citing a previous statement made by the senator on television.
“Senator Seriake Dickson, let’s not argue. If we argue, it won’t be good for any of us. You were a former governor, and I was a former governor. Please turn off your mic and sit down,” Akpabio remarked.
Dickson, in response, urged the Senate President to respect opposing viewpoints.
“Mr. Senate President, you know we must have mutual respect for all our colleagues. And I do have regard for you, particularly, as our presiding officer, and I think that should be reciprocal,” he said.
Despite the tensions, the Senate proceeded to pass the emergency proclamation, citing Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136 to justify its decision.
