The National Assembly on Thursday granted unanimous approval to General Bola Tinubu’s request for a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, a decision that faced no opposition despite earlier expectations of resistance from opposition lawmakers. The approval, secured through a voice vote in both chambers, followed General Tinubu’s Tuesday proclamation, which suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State Assembly for six months.
The Senate began the process with a two-hour closed-door session before reconvening in an open plenary to formalize the decision. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the resolutions, confirming the six-month duration of the emergency rule as outlined by General Tinubu. He cited Section 305(2) of the Nigerian Constitution as the legal basis for the approval, adding that the Senate also invoked Section 11(4) to establish a joint ad hoc committee from both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State during this period. Additionally, the Senate resolved to form a committee of eminent Nigerians with proven integrity to mediate between the conflicting parties in Rivers State, aiming to resolve the crisis within the emergency timeframe.
Akpabio expressed optimism about the emergency rule, stating, “It is our hope that this declaration will bring peace and ensure a speedy resolution of all issues that led to the impasse. We urge all parties to use this six-month window to resolve these issues and restore peace, tranquility, and good governance in Rivers State.” The Senate’s resolutions were formally approved under Section 60, Section 305, and Senate Rules 134, 135, and 136.
In the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presided over the plenary, inviting contributions from members on General Tinubu’s request. The House approved a motion by Benue Representative Philip Agbese to establish a national mediation committee to facilitate peace between the suspended Rivers governor and the State Assembly. While a few opposition lawmakers suggested shortening the six-month duration if a truce is reached earlier, there was little resistance overall. House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, moving the motion for approval, urged members to support the measure, saying, “Let us step on the precipice and assist General Tinubu in finding a better solution. We must work from the ground up to create processes, conversations, and negotiations for sustainable, credible, and inclusive peace in Rivers State.”
The plenary saw limited debate, with some opposition members cautiously urging adherence to rules while others remained neutral. Speaker Abbas carefully steered the discussion, ensuring members stayed on track. The resolutions mirrored those of the Senate, suggesting prior coordination between the leadership of both chambers to streamline the process.
The National Assembly’s swift approval and the establishment of oversight and mediation committees signal a unified approach to managing the Rivers State crisis, with hopes of restoring stability within the stipulated six-month period.
