Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives Thursday endorsed State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The Senate’s approval grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce emergency measures while mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the approval during the plenary on Thursday after majority of the senators supported it through voice votes.
The approval came after the lawmakers emerged from a closed-door session, which lasted for one-hour and twenty minutes.
Related news
- President Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers
- Fubara’s sack: As NBA and PDP Kick, Nigerians throw back at Tinubu
- Fubara at crossroad as Apex Court Restores Amaewhule-Led Rivers Assembly
Mr Akpabio said during the closed-door session the lawmakers deliberated on the issue and received a brief from President Tinubu.
He also noted that parts of the resolutions at the closed-door were to set up a joint ad-hoc committee involving members of the two chambers of the National Assembly to oversee administration of the River State during the period.
The Senate further resolved that a mediation committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups within the period of the state of emergency in River State.
Mr Akpabio said the approval of the emergency rule was in line with the Rule 1 (b) of the Senate Standing Order and Section 305 (2) of Nigerian constitution.
Senate imposed a joint committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.
House approves Emergency Rule in Rivers
The House of Representatives also approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State despite not meeting the constitutional requirement.
The lower chamber granted approval during Thursday’s plenary session, making some minor amendments.
During the session, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the House resolved that the National Assembly would serve as the legislative arm for the state while the state of emergency lasts.
It said rather than approaching the Federal Executive Council, the sole administrator of Rivers State should make recourse to the National Assembly in accordance with Section (11) of the Constitution for approval of regulations he may have to formulate and actions to be taken to deliver on his assignment.
The lawmakers also resolved that a National Peace and Reconciliation Committee be constituted with members drawn from the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly and other eminent Nigerians to foster sustainable peace and harmony amongst the warring factions in Rivers State.
The House further resolved that President Tinubu should consider lifting the suspension of the governor and the Assembly members any moment that peace is deemed to have been satisfactorily achieved between the warring factions in Rivers before the expiration of the blanket period of six months.
The plenary was attended by 243 out of the 360 members of the House.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu wielded the big hammer in Rivers State, declaring a state of emergency in the state. He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months and appointed a sole administrator to take charge of the state.
On Wednesday, Tinubu swore in Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The new Sole Administrator for Rivers State promised to maintain law and order in the crisis-hit state.
“We know the circumstances that led to why we are here and Mr. President made it clear in his broadcast,” Ibas told reporters after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have.”
The retired naval chief promised “to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, and order and security and stability to the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large”.
Meanwhile, the former Naval Chief arrived at the Government House, Port Harcourt, at noon on Thursday, following a formal reception at the airport led by the Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
He was accompanied by security heads, including the General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, and the Commander of 115 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force.
Others were the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Director, of Energy Security, Office of the National Security Adviser.
The suspension of Fubara and other democratically elected representatives has been rejected by many eminent Nigerians, legal luminaries, and groups including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Femi Falana, the Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), among others.
