Senate Approves State of Emergency Declared by Tinubu in Rivers State

The Senate has approved the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

Tinubu made the proclamation in response to the protracted political crisis in the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers House of Assembly.

The declaration sparked mixed reactions, with opposition leaders urging the National Assembly to reject the move.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, speaking on behalf of other opposition leaders, said:

“We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval. The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”

However, after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s request at plenary on Thursday, the red chamber moved into a closed-door session.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session pursuant to Order 135 of the Senate rules, which was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The House of Representatives had earlier approved the emergency rule.