Controversies have trailed the decision of the Upper and Lower chambers of the National Assembly (NASS) to approve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Thursday, March 20.
Through a voice vote on Thursday, Gists9ja reports that the Senate and House of Representatives affirmed the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and other elected officials for six months, along with appointing a sole administrator by President Tinubu.
However, this action appears to conflict with Section 305(4) of the amended 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a resolution from the National Assembly, supported by a two-thirds majority, is necessary to endorse the president’s request.
Various political bigwigs and concerned Nigerians, including the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have criticized the National Assembly for this approval, contending that a two-thirds majority cannot be accurately determined via a voice vote.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the approval was achieved unanimously, with no dissenting votes.
In conjunction with the emergency rule approval, the Senate mandated that all regulations in Rivers State be subject to the oversight and approval of the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee.
Additionally, the Senate called on the federal government to establish a reconciliation framework, which would include forming a peace and reconciliation committee made up of members from the National Assembly, the executive branch, distinguished Nigerians, and other relevant stakeholders to promote enduring peace and stability in Rivers.
Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, lawmakers amended President Tinubu’s proclamation, asserting that the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, should report to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Reps Suggest Review Of Suspension, State Of Emergency In Amendments
The House of Representatives yesterday, approved three amendments via a voice vote, with 243 members present.
One of the amendments proposed the establishment of a national committee, consisting of representatives from the Presidency, National Assembly, and other distinguished Nigerians, aimed at addressing and restoring peace in Rivers State.
The third amendment stipulated that the President has the authority to reassess the duration of the emergency, potentially reducing it to less than six months.
While a limited number of members were permitted to comment on the President’s request, several others raised concerns regarding constitutional provisions.
Senate Calls For Reconciliation Of Warring Groups In Rivers
At the senate, a call was made suggesting that eminent Nigerians should reconcile the warring parties in Rivers within the period of the state of emergency as declared by President Tinubu.
This announcement follows a closed-door session that lasted approximately one and a half hours.
After the meeting, Senate President Akpabio addressed the resolutions made by the senators, stating that the Senate is exercising the authority granted to it under Section 305, Subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He confirmed the Senate’s approval of the state of emergency declared by the President in Rivers State.
Additionally, the Senate stipulates that the declaration of the state of emergency, as outlined in the proclamation documents, allows the President the authority to review and potentially terminate the state of emergency at any time, provided it does not exceed a duration of six months.
“The Senate further resolved that Section 11, Subsection 4 be invoked, providing the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint ad hoc committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State, henceforth.
“The Senate further resolved that a committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups in the government of River State within the period of the state of emergency.
“The Senate further resolved that a committee of eminent Nigerians to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State be set up to carry out their action during the period of state of emergency.
“For final ratification, I put it to the Senate that those in favour of the proclamation of the state of emergency 2025 in Rivers State, should say aye “, which was affirmatively responded to by all the senators in the chamber,” the Senate President noted.
An elated Akpabio, who was impressed with the affirmative response to the question by senators, said, “This approval is done with unanimity, without a single nay.”
“Therefore, pursuant to Section 60 of the constitution, Section 305 (2) and pursuant to our rules, Rule 1 (b) of the standing orders of the Senate and also pursuant to Rules 133, 134, 135 and 136 of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State was approved and other vital resolutions taken,” Akpabio added.
