National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday entered a closed session to deliberate President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly.
The closed-door session followed the reading of a letter from President Tinubu, as delivered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the plenary. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to enter the closed session, citing Order 135 of the Senate rules. The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
In his address, Tinubu attributed the drastic measure to prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and growing security concerns in the oil-rich state. The tensions are largely attributed to a power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
A source within the Senate who wished to remain anonymous revealed, “The situation in Rivers had reached a boiling point. The President believes that urgent intervention is necessary to restore stability.”
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), has been appointed as the sole administrator for the state’s affairs for the next six months. Ibas served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The decision has sparked heated reactions. Some lawmakers argue that the emergency rule is a necessary step to prevent further breakdowns in law and order. Others, however, have warned that such a move sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is a dark day for democracy,” Senator Abba Moro lamented. “Suspending elected officials undermines the will of the people. There are other ways to resolve political crises without resorting to such extreme measures.”
However, President Tinubu’s supporters contend that the emergency rule, though harsh, is essential for restoring peace and stability in Rivers State. “The priority is peace and stability,” Senator Opeyemi Bamidele remarked. “We can’t allow political bickering to threaten the lives and livelihoods of Rivers people.”
The House of Representatives has already approved Tinubu’s emergency declaration, and the Senate’s closed-door deliberation is expected to shape the direction of future political developments in the country.
As tensions continue to rise, the people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large eagerly await the Senate’s decision on this unprecedented move.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also endorsed President Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state assembly. The decision came after a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The lawmakers had earlier debated the President’s report following a formal notification.
During the debate, Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, proposed the establishment of a national mediation committee to facilitate peace talks between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. His proposal was adopted unanimously.
“The situation in Rivers requires a peaceful resolution. Setting up a mediation committee will help calm tensions and prevent further escalation,” Agbese stated during the session.
On the other hand, the Minority Whip of the House suggested that the suspension should not be absolute. “If peace is reached between the two parties, the emergency rule should be lifted before the six-month period,” he proposed. This recommendation was also accepted.
Before the plenary session, Speaker Abbas read out a letter from President Tinubu, officially informing the House of his declaration of a state of emergency. This led to a brief executive session, lasting around 10 minutes.
However, the decision was not without controversy. Abia lawmaker Obi Agwuncha raised an objection, arguing that the emergency rule could not be approved as it did not meet the constitutional requirement of two-thirds of the House members being present. His objection was overruled by Speaker Abbas.
The approval has since sparked a nationwide debate, with mixed reactions pouring in. Some Nigerians support the move to restore order, while others criticize it as an overreach of federal authority. Whether the ongoing mediation efforts will bring peace to Rivers State remains to be seen.
In another significant development, the Federal Government has deployed 10,000 operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities in Rivers State. The deployment follows several explosions at oil installations in the region.
NSCDC Spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, explaining that the operatives are tasked with securing critical national infrastructure, especially in the Niger Delta.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against the destruction and vandalism of national assets across the Niger Delta,” Babawale stated. “Over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure peace and safeguard lives and property.”
The heightened security measures follow President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state. Under the new regime, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers have been suspended, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas appointed as the sole administrator.
In Rivers State, security has been tightened around the Government House, with an increased military presence observed. Multiple patrol vans and three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were stationed at the entrance, signaling a heavy security presence.
An aide to Governor Fubara, speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that soldiers had taken full control of the Government House. “As I speak, more soldiers are entering the Government House. Over 15 arrived this afternoon, believed to be an advance team for the Sole Administrator,” the aide said. Speculation about Fubara’s whereabouts remains high, with rumors suggesting he may have retreated to his private residence or hometown in Opobo.
Violence has escalated alongside the political unrest, with three explosions reported within just two days. One explosion occurred on March 16 at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area. The blast resulted in one death and the arrest of a suspect.
Ebikeme, a staff member of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, described the incident: “On March 16, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu. A suspected vandal was found dead at the site, and another suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence. He is currently in police custody.”
The National Assembly is expected to debate the legality of the emergency rule in the coming days, as opposition to the move intensifies. Lawmakers have already clashed over the constitutionality of Tinubu’s actions. Ebonyi lawmaker Kama Nkemkanma voiced strong opposition, banging a table and declaring, “Nothing will happen here today.” Despite the tension, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called for calm, insisting that the letter would be debated in due course.
Opposition parties, labor unions, and civil society groups have sharply condemned the move, calling it unconstitutional. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) argued that Governor Fubara remains the legitimate leader of Rivers State.
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba asserted, “What President Tinubu is attempting to do is suspend the 1999 Constitution, overturn a democratic government, and foist an undemocratic regime on Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) criticized the action, calling it a “reckless assault on democracy.” NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized, “No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed.”
Amnesty International Nigeria’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, also condemned the suspension of democratic institutions, warning that it represents a setback for the rule of law. “There must be safeguards to protect the people’s rights,” he stated.
In defense of the President’s decision, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi argued that the intervention was necessary to avert the “complete collapse” of the state. He accused Governor Fubara of neglecting his duty to prevent militant activities threatening national oil production.”
The nation’s oil production has increased from 900,000 to 1.15 million barrels daily, thanks to the President’s efforts,” Fagbemi stated. “Anyone who sabotages these pipelines is not only an enemy of Rivers but an enemy of Nigeria.”
The National Assembly’s decision on the legality of the emergency rule is eagerly awaited as the situation in Rivers State remains tense. Security forces are on high alert, and Nigerians watch closely for further developments.
