Rivers State Emergency: Senate Postpones Debate

The Senate has postponed its debate on the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, shifting the discussion to Thursday.

The postponement was announced after a two-hour delay in the commencement of the Senate’s plenary session, as many senators had not taken their seats.

The motion to debate the emergency declaration was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who expressed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Rivers State.

“Worried that there is a clear and present danger of the crises as some militants had threatened fire and brimstone, with security reports indicating disturbing incidents of vandalization of oil pipelines.

“Convinced that there is the need to provide adequate and extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order, and security in Rivers State,” the motion read in part.

To approve the emergency declaration, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority vote, meaning at least 73 out of 109 senators must support the motion. However, there are concerns that the House may not meet this requirement on Thursday.

President Tinubu declared the state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.