The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, following a closed-door session on Thursday. This approval comes after the House of Representatives also endorsed the emergency rule earlier.
The state of emergency, declared on Tuesday, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. This action was taken in response to escalating political tensions and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism in the oil-rich state.
Despite opposition leaders, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, urging the National Assembly to reject the declaration, the Senate proceeded with the approval.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio invoked Section 305(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, granting the President authority to impose emergency rule in cases of severe governance breakdown.
The Senate also resolved to periodically review the state of emergency and consider its termination within six months. Additionally, a committee comprising eminent Nigerians will be established to mediate between the conflicting political factions in Rivers State, aiming to facilitate dialogue and restore stability.
During the emergency rule, the National Assembly will assume legislative functions for Rivers State, as permitted under Section 11(4) of the Constitution, until normalcy is restored.
The Nigerian Bar Association has criticized the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional, emphasizing that a state of emergency does not dissolve elected governments.