….Approval proclamation of state of emergency in Rivers State
…Subjects All Regulations to National Assembly Oversight
…Urges FG to Establish Peace and Reconciliation Committee
…Akpabio, Dickson Clash Over Point of Order
…Division in Senate as Dickson, Tambuwal, Abaribe, Others Walk Out
…64 Senators Sign Attendance Register
…Quorum Not Formed, Sources Say
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA – The Senate has invoked its constitutional powers under Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to approve the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, as declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Senate granted its approval through a voice vote after an hour-and-a-half-long closed-door session, which involved intense deliberations and political maneuvering.
Speaking after the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated: “The Senate, invoking its powers under Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), approves the proclamation of a state of emergency declared by Mr. President in Rivers State.”
He further clarified that: The state of emergency is subject to review and may be terminated at any time but shall not exceed six months.
Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Constitution was invoked, granting the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint ad hoc committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State.
A Committee of Eminent Nigerians should be established to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State during the emergency period.
Akpabio then called for a final ratification: “Those in favor of the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, say ‘aye’.”
The response from the chamber was a unanimous “aye,” with no dissenting voices.
Following this, Akpabio adjourned the Senate for one hour before reconvening to pass the votes and proceedings of the session. The Senate later adjourned to Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
During the closed-door session, heated arguments ensued as Senators expressed differing views on the emergency declaration.
Despite fierce opposition from some lawmakers, the Senate opted for a voice vote instead of a formal vote count, allegedly due to a lack of quorum.
Notably, Senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), and Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), among others, walked out of the chamber in protest.
Although 64 senators signed the attendance register, sources indicate that this did not meet the required quorum for such a crucial decision. Presiding officers do not sign the register, as they typically enter the chamber separately with principal officers.
Earlier in the plenary, Senate President Akpabio read a letter from President Tinubu, formally notifying the Senate of the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara.
The letter outlined: The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The suspension of the Governor, his Deputy, and the State House of Assembly members.
The appointment of Vice-Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (Retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state.
The President urged the Senate to act swiftly on the proclamation.
Prior to the closed session, an altercation occurred between Senate President Akpabio and Senator Seriake Dickson over procedural matters.
As Akpabio read the state of emergency gazette, Dickson raised a point of order, arguing that the Senate must first hold a closed session before debating the emergency.
Akpabio dismissed Dickson’s attempt, stating: “I already know where you stand on this. I watched you on television saying the Senate would never go with your view.”
Dickson insisted on his right to speak: “Mr. Senate President, mutual respect is crucial. I have regard for you, and I expect the same in return.”
After rising tensions, Akpabio eventually acknowledged Dickson’s procedural point, leading to the closed session where the Senate ultimately approved the proclamation.
Dickson had cited Order 133 of the Senate Standing Rules, which stipulates:
Upon a state of emergency proclamation, the President must immediately:
Transmit copies of the official Gazette to the Senate President.
Provide a compendium of background information on the situation.
The Senate President must then convene a session within three working days.
The President of Nigeria must brief the Senate in a closed session before deliberations.
The Senate must resolve into a Committee of the Whole to consider the proclamation before making a final decision.
President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency in Rivers State followed months of political instability.
The power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory) led to a governance paralysis.
The crisis included constitutional breaches and security threats, prompting federal intervention.
In response, Tinubu appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (Retd.) as the Sole Administrator to oversee state affairs. Ibas previously served as Chief of Naval Staff (2015-2021) under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Senate’s approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State remains a controversial decision, marked by divisions, procedural disputes, and opposition walkouts.
While the federal government seeks to restore order, the coming months will determine whether this unprecedented intervention brings stability or further political unrest.
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