Tinubu Requests Senate Approval for Emergency Rule in Rivers State
President Bola Tinubu has officially asked the Senate to approve the state of emergency he declared in Rivers State. His request was delivered in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session.
Why Tinubu Declared a State of Emergency
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, Tinubu announced the emergency rule, citing threats to democracy in the state. He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
To manage the state during this period, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former chief of naval staff, as the sole administrator. Sworn in on Wednesday, Ibas will oversee governance, but his decisions will require approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Justification for the Emergency Rule
Tinubu argued that the situation in Rivers State could undermine democracy and deny residents the benefits of good governance. He pointed to the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex as a major concern. Fourteen months after its destruction, the building remains in ruins, prompting the need for federal intervention.
The Nigerian Constitution requires legislative approval for an emergency rule to take effect. In his letter, Tinubu stated that his actions align with Section 305 (2) of the constitution and urged the Senate to approve the request without delay.
Next Steps in the Approval Process
Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred it to the entire Senate for immediate review. Lawmakers then moved into a closed-door session to discuss the matter. Earlier on Thursday, the House of Representatives had already given its approval, making Senate approval the final step before the emergency rule takes effect.
If passed, this decision will reshape governance in Rivers State for the next six months. The situation remains tense as Nigerians await the Senate’s final decision.
