President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, and the Senate ratified it on Thursday.
The lawmakers discussed the proclamation and suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other elected officials during their closed-door meeting on Thursday.
At Thursday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered a letter from Tinubu, which prompted the announcement of the session.
Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, then moved to have a closed session in accordance with Senate Rules Order 135.
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro. Akpabio requested a voice vote during the session, and lawmakers granted it.
In announcing the result, Akpabio said the Senate had endorsed the president’s declaration by using its authority under Section 305(2) of the Constitution.
“With the President’s declaration, we hope to promote peace and end the current standoff in Rivers State,” Akpabio said.
To arbitrate between the conflicting groups in Rivers State, the Senate further encouraged Tinubu to form an ad hoc committee made up of “eminent” Nigerians.
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Additionally, the parliamentarians agreed that the state of emergency should be reviewed or ended by the president at any moment, but no later than six months from now.
In addition, the Senate decided to approve the establishment of an ad hoc committee to monitor the state’s position, comprising representatives from both houses of the National Assembly.
