The Nigerian Senate has postponed its debate on the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, shifting discussions to Thursday.
The decision came after a delayed plenary session on Wednesday, during which many senators had yet to take their seats. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who initially sponsored the motion, moved to step it down under Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
His motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), after which the chamber proceeded to other legislative matters.
Bamidele’s motion highlighted concerns over worsening insecurity in Rivers State, particularly threats from militants and reports of vandalized oil pipelines.
“There is a clear and present danger in the state, with security reports indicating disturbing incidents,” the motion read in part.
The Senate must secure a two-thirds majority—73 out of 109 senators—to approve the emergency rule, but there are concerns that the required votes may not be met during Thursday’s session.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote on the postponement, and the majority of lawmakers supported the move.
President Tinubu had declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State on Tuesday night, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly.
In a national address, Tinubu justified the move by citing political instability, constitutional violations, and security risks.
“The prolonged crisis has disrupted governance and threatens the stability of the state,” he stated.
The political turmoil stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
To oversee the state’s affairs, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), former Chief of Naval Staff (2015-2021), as sole administrator until order is restored.
The Senate’s debate on the emergency rule is expected to resume on Thursday, with political analysts closely watching whether lawmakers will grant Tinubu’s request.
