Rivers State Crisis: Senate Receives Tinubu’s Emergency Proclamation 2025

ABUJA – March 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially communicated with the Nigerian Senate regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The letter, detailing a six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was presented during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu’s Proclamation on Rivers State Emergency

Following constitutional provisions under Section 305(2) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, President Tinubu’s letter outlined the key aspects of the proclamation:

Official declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Governor, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
Appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba as the State Administrator to oversee governance under presidential directives.

The letter further emphasized the urgency of Senate deliberation and approval, with President Tinubu expressing confidence in an expedited review.

Senate’s Response and Closed-Door Session

Following the reading of the proclamation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio promptly referred the matter to the full Senate Committee for immediate consideration. In response, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised a motion under Order 133, advocating for a closed-door session to deliberate on the proclamation.

The Senate’s plenary session, which commenced at 12:00 PM, proceeded with procedural adoptions, including the Votes and Proceedings of the previous session, formally moved by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East) and seconded by Senator Idiat Adebute (APC, Lagos West).

Constitutional and Political Implications

The state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked significant political and constitutional debates. Analysts believe this move could set a precedent for federal intervention in state governance. A similar case occurred in 2004 in Plateau State, reinforcing the legal framework for such declarations.

For further insights into the implications of this proclamation, visit the Nigerian Law Reform Commission‘s official analysis: Click here.

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