The Senate has entered a closed session to discuss President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, as well as the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials.
The decision to hold a closed session was made after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Tinubu during Thursday’s plenary session.
Following this, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for a closed session, in accordance with Order 135 of the Senate rules. The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
Reports indicate that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
In a national broadcast, the President explained that the emergency rule was necessary due to prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats in the state.
The political crisis in Rivers has been fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. To manage the state during this period, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator, tasked with overseeing the state’s affairs until stability is restored.
Ibas previously served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
