The Senate suspended its plenary session and moved its discussion on President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State to Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The debate was postponed due to a delay in the start of the plenary session on Wednesday, March 19.
The debate was due to begin at 3 p.m.; however, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who moved the motion, stepped down, citing Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as modified).
The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South, seconded the resolution.
In his motion, Senator Bamidele raised concern over the security situation in Rivers State.
The motion read, “Worried that there is a clear and present danger of the crises, as some militants had threatened fire and brimstone, with security reports indicating disturbing incidents of vandalisation of oil pipelines.
“Convinced that there is the need to provide adequate and extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order, and security in Rivers State.”
Earlier, the Senate confirmed receiving letters from President Bola Tinubu over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s six-month suspension in Rivers State.
Recall that on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu justified the exceptional move in a nationwide broadcast, citing long-term political instability, constitutional violations, and security risks.
