Senate Postpones Debate on Rivers State Emergency Rule to Thursday

The Senate on Wednesday suspended plenary and deferred its debate on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu to Thursday.

The delay followed a late start to plenary, which was initially postponed by two hours due to the absence of a significant number of senators.

Motion Stepped Down Without Debate

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who sponsored the motion, moved to step it down, citing Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).

Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) seconded the motion, and the chamber proceeded with other legislative matters without further discussion.

The motion highlighted concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Rivers State, warning of militant threats and vandalization of oil pipelines.

To approve the emergency rule, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority—73 out of 109 senators. However, concerns remain over whether the chamber can secure the required votes on Thursday.

Tinubu Declares Emergency Rule in Rivers State

On Tuesday night, President 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 six months.

In a national broadcast, he cited prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats as justification for the decision.

The crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until stability is restored.