The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State, endorsing the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for six months.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter during Thursday’s plenary before lawmakers moved into a closed-door session to deliberate on the matter.
Following the session, Akpabio put the request to a voice vote, with the majority of senators supporting the emergency rule.
Announcing the decision, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its powers under Section 305(2) of the Constitution to approve the president’s proclamation.
“It is our hope that this declaration by the president will bring peace and resolve all the impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio said.
Additionally, the Senate urged President Tinubu to establish an ad hoc committee comprising “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the rival factions fueling the crisis in the state.
