Senate, House of Reps endorse Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Both the Senate and House of Representatives have approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This move grants the President the authority to enforce emergency measures in the state for an initial period of six months.

The Senate’s approval came after a closed-door session, where lawmakers deliberated on the President’s letter seeking approval for the emergency rule.

The House of Representatives also passed a resolution endorsing the President’s proclamation, with 243 lawmakers attending the plenary session.

As part of the emergency rule, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly have been suspended.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has been appointed as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.

The National Assembly has also established a joint committee to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.

Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.

This development has sparked mixed reactions, with some opposing the emergency rule as an “unconstitutional power grab”.

Mixed reactions

Attorney General Fagbemi backs decision 

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has given a nod to the decision.

When asked whether the Federal Government would still release the state’s allocation despite the situation, Fagbemi said the funds would be made available if the Administrator requested them.

“And to me, it will be in order for the release of that fund because the event of the extraordinary situation has brought them out of the normal situation of things,” he said.

Defending Tinubu’s intervention, he added, “We have about two years into the administration in the state. Now, when do you think he should have acted? Should he have waited until everything was destroyed? I don’t think so.

“I think the President acted at the right time. He gave all parties a chance to resolve their differences. Before then, he had called them together and tried to mediate,” Fagbemi stated.

Opposition alliance kicks

Opposition political heavyweights in Nigeria have united to oppose the declaration.

They also called on Nigeria’s bicameral National Assembly to oppose the development.

Led by former vice president Atiku Abubakar, the team also had former Anambra Governor and former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi (represented by Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation), former Kaduna Governor , Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.

Among those whose apologies for inability to attend were announced are former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.

While speaking on behalf of the opposition leaders at the press briefing monitored by Diaspora Digital Media at Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku accused Tinubu of favouritism and the illegal use of Section 305 regarding the state of emergency.

His words: “We are a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across the country. We have come together to address the dangerous and unconstitutional actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on March 18, 2025-to wit, the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State and the illegal suspension of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.

“This action is not only unlawful but also a clear subversion of democracy and imposition of autocratic federal control over a duly elected state government.

“We strongly condemn this development and call on all Nigerians of good conscience to resist this brazen assault on the constitution of our country and the institutions of our democracy.

“Mr President’s illegal and unconstitutional proclamation was presumably driven by the protracted insidious political crisis in Rivers State, which culminated in the recent ruling of the Supreme Court.

“Naturally, we expected all parties to the dispute to follow laid-down procedures, and in good faith, to promptly implement the judgment of the highest court of the land.

“We note that despite provocative statements and belligerent attitude of his opponents, Governor Fubara had demonstrated goodwill and appeared disposed to the implementation of the ruling of the Supreme Court.

“However, rather than rise above the fray, the president yielded to petty favouritism and betrayed the oath that he solemnly swore to before God and man, which was to “do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

“If president Tinubu had conveniently disguised his true intentions in the past, his broadcast to the nation on 18th March 2025 betrayed his bias and fell far below the standard of comportment expected from his exalted office.”

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