By Bukola Kayode
The Senate on Thursday approved the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
The Senate gave its approval on Thursday after an executive session of the Red Chambers to deliberate on the declaration of state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other members of the state house of Assembly.
The session was announced after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from Tinubu at plenary on Thursday.
Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, subsequently moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules.
The Senate President later announced the outcome of the executive session, saying the Senate had exercised its powers under Section 305(2) of the Constitution to endorse the president’s proclamation.
“We hope that the President’s declaration will foster peace and resolve the ongoing impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio said.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged Tinubu to establish an ad hoc committee composed of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions in Rivers State.
The lawmakers also decided that the President should review or terminate the state of emergency at any time, but no later than six months from now.
Furthermore, the Senate agreed to authorise the formation of an ad hoc committee, with members from both chambers of the National Assembly, to oversee the situation in the state.
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