The Senate has approved the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, despite opposition leaders urging lawmakers to reject the move.
Tinubu’s proclamation, made in response to the prolonged political crisis in the oil-rich state, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers House of Assembly.
The decision elicited mixed reactions, with opposition figures condemning it as unconstitutional. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar stated, “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.”
Despite the opposition’s stance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s request during Thursday’s plenary before the chamber moved into a closed-door session.
The motion for the session was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.
Following the session, Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote, with the majority of senators backing the emergency rule. He stated that the Senate had acted under Section 305(2) of the constitution to approve the president’s proclamation.
The House of Representatives had earlier given its approval.
