NB247
The Senate has joined the House of Representatives in approving the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The Senate reached its decision behind closed doors.
Recall that the President on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending the state Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Before the closed door session, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from Tinubu at plenary on Thursday.
Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, subsequently moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules, and was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
The emergency declaration was reportedly approved by a voice vote by the senators.
Reporting the outcome of the session, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its powers under Section 305(2) of the Constitution to endorse the president’s proclamation.
“We hope that the President’s declaration will foster peace and resolve the ongoing impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio remarked.
The Senate however, urged Tinubu to establish an ad hoc committee composed of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions in Rivers State.
The lawmakers also decided that the President should review or terminate the state of emergency at any time, but no later than six months from now.
Furthermore, the Senate agreed to authorise the formation of an ad hoc committee, with members from both chambers of the National Assembly, to oversee the situation in the state.