The Senate also resolved that the state of emergency declared in the proclamation may be reviewed or terminated by the President at any time, but it must not exceed a period of six months.
The senate has formally approved the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers state, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that cited the deepening political turmoil and worsening security situation in the oil-rich South-South state.
The senate also resolved that the state of emergency declared in the proclamation may be reviewed or terminated by the president at any time, but it must not exceed a period of six months.
The senate invoked its constitutional powers under Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to ratify the emergency rule during Thursday’s plenary.
These resolutions followed a letter sent to the chamber requesting the consideration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Shortly after reading the letter from the President, a motion for a closed session to deliberate on the issue was moved by the Leader of the Senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who expressed grave concern over the prolonged instability gripping Rivers state.
The closed session lasted for over an hour.
According to the day’s order paper, Bamidele noted that Rivers state had been reduced to a battleground of political interests, with the deepening rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, throwing the state into unprecedented chaos. He said the power tussle has paralyzed governance and denied citizens access to the dividends of democracy.
He said, “The magnitude of the crises has overwhelmed the State Government as parties involved has not allowed good sense to prevail and bring about peace in the State hence Federal Government’s attempt to restore peace, security and good governance.”
The senate leader further raised alarm over escalating threats from militant groups who, according to intelligence reports, have vowed to unleash violence.
“There is a clear and present danger of the crises as some militants had threatened fire and brimstone with security report of disturbing incidents of vandalisation of oll pipelines,” he warned.
Bamidele confirmed that President Tinubu had complied with constitutional provisions by publishing the proclamation and officially transmitting the gazette to the Senate President for legislative approval.
He described the situation as “a matter of serious national concern” warranting urgent intervention to protect lives, restore order, and safeguard Nigeria’s strategic economic assets concentrated in the region.
“This matter is of serious concern to the senate and the generality of Nigerians,” he lamented.
READ ALSO: Tinubu suspends governor, assembly in Rivers
The senate’s approval followed barely 24 hours after President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Returning from the closed session, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio announced the approval, invoking Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to ratify such a proclamation.
He said, “The senate further resolved that Section 11, Subsection 4 be invoked, providing the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint Admin Committee of both chambers to oversight the administration of privacy henceforth.”
“The senate further resolved that a committee to reconcile the warring groups within the government of River State should consist of eminent Nigerian.”
Recall that the senate during yesterday’s plenary, delayed its planned debate on the motion seeking approval for the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers state. The motion, which was listed as the first item on the order paper, was unexpectedly stepped down without any detailed explanation.
While no reason was officially offered for the delay, observers say the decision may be linked to behind-the-scenes consultations, given the political sensitivity of imposing emergency rule on a state central to Nigeria’s oil economy and political calculations.
It is important to note that when the President declares a State of Emergency in any part of Nigeria (a state, region, or the whole country), it is not enough for the declaration to stand on the President’s word alone.
The National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) must approve the President’s proclamation within a specific period:
•2 days (48 hours) if they are sitting (in session); or
•10 days if they are on break or not in session.
This is according to Section 305(6) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which states that “A proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect—(a) if it is revoked by the President; or (b) if, within two days when the National Assembly is in session or, where the National Assembly is not then in session, within ten days after it next sits, the National Assembly does not pass a resolution approving the proclamation.”
If the National Assembly fails to approve it within that time, the proclamation automatically becomes invalid, meaning the State of Emergency ends immediately.
The President also announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the entire members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, citing their failure to resolve the political crisis that has crippled governance in the state.
Violence, oil facility attacks heighten tensions
The presidential proclamation came amid fresh outbreaks of violence in the state. Earlier in the day, a major explosion rocked an oil facility in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, while the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), also went up in flames. The incidents triggered fears of a coordinated sabotage campaign targeting the state’s oil infrastructure, a vital artery of Nigeria’s economy.
Oil production, which remains the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy, faces a serious threat if the crisis in Rivers State is not swiftly contained. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in oil production from Rivers could worsen Nigeria’s revenue shortfall and aggravate the country’s economic instability.
Federal Government appoints interim administrator
In a move to stabilise the state, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period. The retired naval officer is expected to restore order, ensure the protection of critical infrastructure, and facilitate a roadmap towards peace and democratic governance in the state.
The Rivers State political crisis traces back to the fierce power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Their rift has polarized the political landscape, split the state legislature, and triggered multiple impeachment attempts, violent clashes, and lawsuits, all of which have compounded Rivers’ already fragile security environment.
What lies ahead for Rivers?
With the senate’s approval of the state of emergency, attention now shifts to how the federal government will navigate the complex web of political and ethnic interests in Rivers State. Stakeholders warn that while the emergency rule may provide temporary relief, a long-term solution must involve genuine reconciliation, institutional reforms, and restoring confidence in democratic processes.
Civil society groups and legal experts have called on the federal government to exercise caution, ensuring that constitutional rights and democratic principles are upheld during the emergency period.
For now, the people of Rivers State and indeed the nation watch closely as the federal government moves to reclaim control of a state critical to Nigeria’s political stability and economic survival.
