ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, March 18, 2025, postponed a decision on approving President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, deferring the matter to Thursday, March 19, 2025.
The delay came after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele recommended that the motion be “stepped to the next legislative day,” a proposal seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.
When Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote, the majority of lawmakers supported the delay.
The motion, listed as the first item for discussion, was put on hold before any debate could take place.
According to the Senate’s order paper, the lawmakers acknowledged that the political crisis in Rivers State had left the state at a standstill, preventing residents from fully benefiting from democratic governance.
“The senate also notes that the state has been at a standstill since the crises started, with the good people of Rivers State not being able to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” the motion reads.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis and suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months.
He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
The declaration has sparked widespread debate, with stakeholders questioning its constitutionality and implications for democracy.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have criticised the move, describing it as an assault on democratic principles.
The Senate’s decision to postpone its deliberations reflects the complexity of the situation and the need for careful consideration of the legal and constitutional issues involved.
As the upper legislative chamber prepares to revisit the matter on Thursday, all eyes will be on the lawmakers’ ability to navigate the crisis and uphold the rule of law.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been marked by escalating tensions between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The suspension of elected officials and the declaration of emergency rule have further heightened tensions, with many calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the impasse.
