With both chambers of the National Assembly endorsing the state of emergency, Rivers State has now been placed under federal control, with the governor, deputy governor, and State House of Assembly suspended.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The National Assembly has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Announcing the Senate’s decision, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the declaration was made in line with relevant sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate’s Standing Orders.
“The Senate hereby approves the proclamation of the State of Emergency 2025 declared by Mr. President in Rivers State of Nigeria as amended, pursuant to Section 60 of the Constitution, Section 305, and pursuant to our Rules of the Standing Orders of the Senate,” Akpabio declared on the Senate floor.
To ensure proper oversight of the emergency administration in Rivers State, the Senate invoked Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which grants the National Assembly authority to set up a joint committee with the House of Representatives.
He further announced that the Senate had resolved to create a Committee on Immigrant Nigerians to mediate between the conflicting factions within the state government.
“The Senate further resolved that a joint committee of both chambers be established to oversight the administration of Rivers State henceforth,” he said. “Additionally, a committee to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State should consist of eminent Nigerians.”
He said the approval of the emergency rule was met with unanimous support from senators and commended his colleagues for their cooperation while expressing hope that the emergency rule would restore peace and stability in the state.
“It is our hope that this declaration will bring peace and ensure a speedy resolution of all the issues that led to the unrest,” he added.
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers also approved Tinubu’s declaration following a prolonged political crisis.
During Thursday’s plenary session, 243 members voted in favour of the resolution, despite strong opposition from political leaders, civil society organisations, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku, who had earlier led a joint press conference condemning the move, described it as a “malicious” power grab. “This is not about restoring order; it is a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy,” he said. “We cannot allow executive overreach to destroy the principles of governance and accountability.”
With both chambers of the National Assembly endorsing the state of emergency, Rivers State has now been placed under federal control, with the governor, deputy governor, and State House of Assembly suspended.