Breaking: Senate Backs Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers State, Moves to Take Over Governance
In a dramatic move with far-reaching implications, the Nigerian Senate has unanimously approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, effectively greenlighting federal oversight of the state’s governance amid a deepening political crisis.
The decision, announced Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after a closed-door session lasting over an hour, marks a rare and decisive intervention by the National Assembly. According to Akpabio, the Senate invoked Section 11(4) of the Constitution, empowering it to establish a joint ad hoc committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of the state moving forward.
Constitutional Backing and Conditions
Section 305(6)(b) of the Constitution mandates that a presidential proclamation of emergency must be ratified within two days (when the National Assembly is in session) by two-thirds of each chamber. Thursday’s approval ticks that constitutional box.
However, the Senate placed a limit on the scope of the emergency: it must not exceed six months.
“The Senate hereby approves the proclamation of the State of Emergency declared by Mr. President in Rivers State of Nigeria… pursuant to Section 305,” Akpabio declared on the floor, referencing both the Constitution and Senate Standing Orders.
Federal Takeover and Reconciliation Mission
In addition to approving the emergency rule, the Senate resolved to:
- Establish a joint ad hoc committee of both the Senate and House of Representatives to oversee Rivers State’s administration during the emergency.
- Set up a committee of eminent Nigerians to reconcile the warring factions within Rivers State’s political landscape.
This signals the National Assembly’s intent not just to stabilize governance, but to resolve the underlying conflicts that have plunged the state into turmoil.
Akpabio Calls for Peace and Resolution
In his concluding remarks, Akpabio praised the senators for what he described as their “patriotic zeal” and emphasized that the emergency measure is aimed at restoring peace and good governance in the oil-rich state.
“It is our hope that this declaration… will bring peace and ensure a speedy resolution of all the issues that led to the unrest,” Akpabio said. “All should use this window of opportunity within the next six months to resolve the issues.”
Background: What Led to the Emergency?
The state of emergency comes against the backdrop of escalating political unrest in Rivers State, where infighting within the ruling party, breakdown in legislative-executive relations, and threats to public safety have created a governance vacuum. Although details remain fluid, the Senate’s swift and unanimous action reflects the gravity of the crisis.
Implications: Federal Power vs State Autonomy
This move raises crucial constitutional and political questions: How far can federal intervention go in state matters? Will this set a precedent for similar takeovers in other states experiencing political turmoil?
The coming weeks will test the boundaries of Nigeria’s federalism, as Rivers State becomes a litmus test for emergency governance in the Fourth Republic.
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#RiversStateCrisis #TinubuEmergencyRule #NigerianSenate #StateOfEmergency #Akpabio #FederalTakeover #NigeriaPolitics #IDNN
