The Nigerian Senate has postponed its debate on President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State to Thursday after delaying its plenary session for two hours. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved to step down the debate, citing Senate Standing Orders. The motion, seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), raises concerns over worsening security in Rivers, with militants threatening attacks and reports of oil pipeline vandalism.
Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. He cited political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats as reasons for the drastic measure. The crisis stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
To implement the emergency rule, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority (73 out of 109 senators), raising concerns about whether it will meet the threshold on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator to restore governance and stability in the oil-rich state.
