On Thursday, the Senate approved the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The resolution was made during a closed-door session where lawmakers deliberated on the declaration and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other elected officials.
The session followed Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s reading of a letter from President Tinubu during plenary earlier that day. Following this, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules, which was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
During the closed session, Akpabio called for a voice vote, and the lawmakers approved the President’s request.
Announcing the decision, Akpabio confirmed that the Senate had exercised its constitutional powers under Section 305(2) to endorse the President’s proclamation.
“We hope that the President’s declaration will bring peace and resolve the ongoing crisis in Rivers State,” Akpabio said.
The Senate also called on President Tinubu to establish an ad hoc committee of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the conflicting factions in Rivers State.
Additionally, the Senate agreed that the President should have the authority to review or terminate the state of emergency at any time, but no later than six months from now.
The lawmakers further authorized the formation of an ad hoc committee, with representatives from both chambers of the National Assembly, to monitor the situation in Rivers State.
