The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday suspended its plenary and postponed the debate on Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State to Thursday, delaying a crucial decision on the state of emergency in Rivers State.
The Senate leadership initially delayed plenary for two hours due to the absence of many senators across party lines. The debate was later rescheduled for 3:00 pm but was eventually stepped down when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who sponsored the motion, invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to request its deferment.
The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), after which Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the postponement to a voice vote, which was overwhelmingly approved. The delay raises questions about whether the Senate will approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State, following the Senate’s suspension of plenary and shift of the emergency rule debate to Thursday.
Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Faces Legislative Scrutiny
Bamidele’s motion cited concerns over the worsening security situation in Rivers State, pointing to militants issuing violent threats and vandalizing oil pipelines. The motion argued that extraordinary measures were necessary to restore peace, governance, and security in Rivers State.
For Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State to take full effect, the Senate must approve it with a two-thirds majority (73 out of 109 senators). However, there are growing concerns that the chamber may not secure enough votes on Thursday, which could jeopardize the Senate’s decision to approve Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State.
Tinubu Declares Emergency Rule, Suspends Rivers’ Leadership
On Tuesday night, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In a national broadcast, Tinubu justified the move by citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security concerns in Rivers State. The crisis, which had crippled governance in the oil-rich state, is rooted in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
To oversee the state’s affairs, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State. Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021) under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, is now tasked with restoring stability and governance in Rivers State under Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State.
For more updates on the Senate’s decision to suspend plenary and and postpone the debate to Thursday, follow Federal Character News.
