The Senate’s debate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was postponed due to the absence of many legislators, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has said.
Ibrahim, who chairs the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, explained that the discussion was rescheduled for Thursday to ensure full participation from lawmakers who were either observing Ramadan or absent for other reasons.
“First thing tomorrow morning, the proclamation will be debated. By then, information will have gone to other members. Some members are fasting; they are praying in their homes. Tomorrow, they will be here, and then by 10 o’clock, we pick it up,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.
He added that although 68 senators and 10 members of the leadership were present, a more inclusive debate was necessary given the sensitive nature of the issue.
Clarifying the Emergency Declaration
Ibrahim dismissed concerns that Tinubu’s decision amounted to a total suspension of democratic governance in Rivers State, insisting that the measure was only temporary.
“The President did not dissolve democratic institutions. He only suspended them for six months. These six months will allow parties to go to the table, find out their differences, and come together so that there can be peace in Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria,” he said.
Senate Proceedings and Concerns
The Senate’s plenary session was delayed by two hours due to the absence of many lawmakers. When the session finally commenced, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved to step down the debate, citing Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
His motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro, and the chamber quickly moved on to other matters.
Bamidele’s motion raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Rivers State, citing threats from militants and reports of vandalized oil pipelines.
To approve the emergency declaration, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority (73 out of 109 senators). However, there are fears that the chamber may not reach the required number when the debate resumes on Thursday.
Background to the Rivers Crisis
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state assembly for an initial six-month period.
In his national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the decision.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
To oversee governance during the emergency rule, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
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