President Bola Tinubu has officially written to the Senate, informing lawmakers of his proclamation suspending Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State for six months.
The letter, read during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, also declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis.
Immediately after the letter was read, the Senate moved into a closed-door session to deliberate on the matter.
In the letter, Tinubu explained that the decision was made in compliance with Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Nigerian Constitution.
He stated that the main features of the proclamation include the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly, and the appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs under the President’s directives. Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite its consideration and approval of the proclamation.
Following the reading of the letter, Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West raised a point of order, calling for a closed-door session to discuss the emergency measure in detail. The Senate immediately agreed and proceeded into a private session.
Earlier in the day, the plenary commenced at noon with the National Anthem, followed by prayers at 12:01 PM. The motion to adopt the previous day’s Votes and Proceedings was moved by Senator Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South East and seconded by Senator Idiat Adebute of Lagos West. With Rivers State now under emergency rule, all eyes are on the Senate as Nigerians await the outcome of their deliberations. More details to follow.