By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday postponed deliberations on President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, deferring the motion to the next legislative sitting.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was initially listed as the first order of business but was stepped down until 3 p.m. without a clear explanation. However, lawmakers later decided to defer discussions entirely to a later date.
The motion highlighted concerns over escalating tensions in Rivers, which have disrupted governance and threatened security in the oil-rich South-South state.
“Worried that there is a clear and present danger of the crisis as some militants had threatened fire and brimstone, with security reports of disturbing incidents of vandalization of oil pipelines… Convinced that there is a need to provide adequate and extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order, and security in Rivers State,” the motion read.
To approve the emergency declaration, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority vote—equivalent to at least 73 out of 109 senators.
President Tinubu had declared the state of emergency on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the interim administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The Senate’s decision to delay the debate raises speculation about whether the emergency rule will gain the required legislative approval or face resistance from lawmakers questioning its constitutionality.
