Senate Approves Emergency Rule In Rivers, Suspension Of Fubara By Tinubu

The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for six months.

The approval was announced on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after a closed-door session that lasted over an hour.

Akpabio explained that the Senate based its decision on Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136.

Earlier, he read a letter from President Tinubu, which formally communicated the suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The letter concluded with Tinubu urging the Senate to act swiftly on the matter.

Akpabio said: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.

“The main features of the proclamation are as follows.

“A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, River State.

“The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

“An appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba, as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.

“While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

After reading the letter, Akpabio declared, “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for Immediate passage.”

Following the announcement, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised a point of order, citing Order 133, which pertains to discussions in a closed-door session.

KanyiDaily recalls that members of the House of Representatives clashed over the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.