ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for emergency rule in Rivers State, following a prolonged political crisis that has destabilised the oil-rich state.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter during plenary on Thursday, March 20, 2025, before lawmakers went into a closed-door session to deliberate on the matter.
After the session, Akpabio put the request to a voice vote, with lawmakers overwhelmingly supporting the declaration of emergency rule. Announcing the decision, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its powers under Section 305(2) of the Constitution to approve the President’s proclamation.
“It is our hope that this declaration by the President will bring peace and resolve all the impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio said.
The Senate also called on Tinubu to set up an ad hoc committee of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the rival factions driving the crisis in Rivers State.
Lawmakers resolved that the President should review or terminate the state of emergency at any given time, not later than the six-month period stipulated in the Constitution.
The approval of emergency rule comes after Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing the prolonged political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The President also suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state House of Assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
The move effectively dissolved the existing government structure, placing Rivers State under federal control. With emergency rule now in effect, the federal government is expected to oversee key governance and security matters in the state.
The Senate further resolved to establish an ad hoc committee comprising members of both chambers of the National Assembly to oversee developments in Rivers State. This committee will monitor the implementation of emergency rule and ensure that the interests of the state’s residents are protected.
