The Senate invoked constitutional powers under Article 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution to approve the six-month moratorium of River State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a closed-end meeting for an hour and a half, approval was obtained through voice votes involving intense deliberation and political manipulation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered a speech after the closing meeting: “The Senate cited its powers (as amended) under section 305(2) of the Constitution of 1999 to approve the State of Emergency declared by the President of Rivers.”
He further clarified that the emergency would be under scrutiny and could be terminated at any time, although it would not exceed six months.
Akpabio announced an invocation of Article 4, 11 of the Constitution, which grants the National Assembly the power to establish a joint interim committee during an emergency period to oversee the Rivers State Government.
He also suggested the establishment of a well-known Nigerian commission to help reconcile the warring factions in the state during this period.
Akpabio called for final approval, asking: “Those who support the emergency in Rivers State said, ‘yee’.” The response from the chamber was consistent “Aye” without any objection.
After that, Akpabio adjourned the Senate for an hour and then reconvened the votes and proceedings for the meeting. The Senate will later adjourn until Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
In closed-door meetings, some senators strongly opposed the emergency declaration. It is worth noting that Senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Apga, Abia South) and Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South) walked out of the room to protest.
Despite the controversy, the Senate chose to vote voice over formal votes, allegedly due to a lack of quorum.
Although 64 senators signed the attendance registry, sources said this did not meet the quorum required for this important decision. The moderators do not sign the register because they usually enter the conference hall separately from the main officials.
Earlier in the plenary session, Senate President Akpabio read a letter from President Tinubu, formally informing Senate Governor Fubara for a six-month suspension.
The letter outlines the announcement of the Rivers State emergency, the suspension of the governor, his deputy member of parliament, and the appointment of Deputy Ibox-Ibox Ibas (Retd.). The President urged the Senate to act quickly.
Procedural dispute between Akpabio and Dickson
Before the closing meeting, Senate President Akpabio and Senator Seriac Dixon had differences on procedural issues.
When Akpabio reads the emergency communique, Dickson proposed a point of order that the Senate must hold a closed meeting before debating the emergency.
Akpabio dismissed Dixon’s objection, noting that “I already know where you are standing. I’m watching you on TV saying the Senate will never appreciate your opinion.”
Despite the tension, Dixon insisted on speaking, saying, “Mutual respect is crucial for President of the Senate. I have been thinking about you and I hope the same reward.”
After a brief exchange, Akpabio acknowledged Dickson’s procedural points, leading to the final approval of the announced closed meeting in the Senate.
Dickson listed the 133rd Order of the Senate Regular Provisions, which stipulates that in the state of emergency declaration, the president must immediately transmit a copy of the official communiqué to the Senate President and provide a compilation of background information about the situation.
According to the rules, the Senate president must meet within three working days and the president must introduce the Senate at the closing meeting before deliberation.
The Senate must then be divided into a holistic committee to consider the declaration before a final decision is made.
President Tinob declared a state of emergency in the Rivers State, which was months of political instability.
The power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former Nyesom Wike, now the federal capital’s territorial minister, has crippled governance in the state.
The crisis involves constitutional violations and security threats, prompting the need for federal intervention.
In response, Tinubu appointed Vice-Chancellor Ibok-étè Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator of the country to oversee its affairs. Ibas, who served as chief of staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is now facing the task of stabilizing the country.
The Senate approval of the River State Emergency remains a highly controversial decision characterized by major divisions, procedural disputes and opposition strikes.
While the federal government’s goal is to restore order, the coming months will determine whether such unprecedented interventions will bring stability or further deepen political unrest in the state.
