Following in the footsteps of the House of Representatives, the Senate has given its stamp of approval to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, thereby invoking its constitutional authority as enshrined in the amended 1999 Constitperiod
This approval grants President Tinubu the authority to implement emergency measures, with the proviso that the situation be reviewed at any time, but no later than six months.
In accordance with the Constitution, the National Assembly has also appointed a joint committee comprising members from both chambers to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.
The Senate has also resolved to set up a mediation committee consisting of prominent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.
In a similar vein, the House of Representatives had earlier approved Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
Lawmakers backed Tinubu’s decision in a voice vote, two days after President Tinubu made the declaration. The preliminary session, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was attended by 240 members of the House of Representatives.
While discussing the decision, the House proposed amendments, including the establishment of a committee of distinguished Nigerians to mediate on the issue.
They also pointed out that the National Assembly has the authority to enact legislation for a state whose house of assembly is unable to function, as opposed to the Federal Government’s plan for the Federal Executive Council to undertake that responsibility.
In a significant move, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly members for six months, and appointed a sole administrator to manage the state, drawing widespread criticism.
