Senate postpones debate on Rivers state of emergency

The Senate has suspended its debate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.

The nation’s Upper Chamber has fixed Thursday, March 20 for the debate.

Persecondnews reports that the Senate’s postponement was announced after a two-hour delay in commencing its plenary, as the majority of senators had not yet taken their seats.

Prior to the postponement, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central) and the motion’s sponsor, cited Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to step down the debate, which was then delayed until 3.00pm without a detailed explanation.

The motion was seconded by Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and the chamber moved on to the next item without further debate.

Bamidele’s motion voices concern about the worsening security situation in Rivers State, highlighting threats from militants and disturbing incidents of oil pipeline vandalism.

He said: “Worried that there is a clear and present danger of the crises as some militants had threatened fire and brimstone, with security reports indicating disturbing incidents of vandalization of oil pipelines.

“Convinced that there is the need to provide adequate and extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order, and security in Rivers State.”

To approve the declaration, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority, meaning 73 out of 109 senators must vote in favour, to bring the emergency rule into effect.

However, there were concerns that the Senate might struggle to meet the required two-thirds majority when it reconvenes on Thursday.

As a result, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, put the postponement of the debate and suspension of the plenary to a voice vote, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Senators.

Persecondnews reported that President Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a major oil-producing state in Nigeria’s South-South region, on Tuesday, March 18.

He also imposed a six-month suspension on Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers, as part of measures to restore stability in the state.

He declared: “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”

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

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari.

The crisis that has crippled governance in Rivers State originates from a power struggle between Gov. Fubara and his predecessor and estranged godfather, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.