Senate Debate on Fubara’s Suspension: Key Details
On March 20, 2025, the Nigerian Senate convened to deliberate on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly members for six months.
Closed-Door Session and Approval
The Senate engaged in a closed-door session lasting approximately 90 minutes to discuss the proclamation. Following this session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the Senate’s decision to approve the state of emergency, invoking its constitutional powers under Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He noted that the emergency period would not exceed six months and could be reviewed or terminated earlier if necessary.
Establishment of Oversight Committee
In line with Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Constitution, the Senate resolved to form a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency. Additionally, a Committee of Eminent Nigerians was proposed to facilitate reconciliation among conflicting parties in the state.
Voice Vote and Adjournment
The approval was conducted through a voice vote, with a unanimous ‘aye’ from the senators present. Subsequently, the Senate adjourned for an hour before reconvening to pass the session’s votes and proceedings, and later adjourned until March 25, 2025.
Opposition and Walkout
During the closed session, some senators, including Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), and Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), expressed strong opposition to the emergency declaration and walked out in protest. Despite 64 senators signing the attendance register, reports indicate this number did not meet the required quorum for such a significant decision.
Procedural Dispute
Prior to the closed session, a procedural disagreement occurred between Senate President Akpabio and Senator Dickson. Dickson cited Order 133 of the Senate Standing Rules, emphasizing the need for a closed session before debating the emergency. After a brief exchange, Akpabio acknowledged Dickson’s point, leading to the closed session where the Senate ultimately approved the proclamation.
Background of the Crisis
The declaration of the state of emergency followed months of political instability in Rivers State, marked by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The crisis led to governance challenges and security concerns in the state. In response, President Tinubu appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (Retd.) as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
The Senate’s approval of the state of emergency in Rivers State remains a contentious decision, reflecting deep political divisions and procedural disputes. The effectiveness of this intervention in restoring stability to the state will be observed in the coming months.
For a visual summary of the Senate’s proceedings, you can watch the following video:
videoSenator Seriake Dickson & Akpabio Clash as Senate Debates Rivers Emergency.
Senate Debate on Fubara’s Suspension: Key Details
