The National Assembly earlier today, 20th March, 2025 approved the state of emergency declared on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu through voice vote.
The approval came after the lawmakers’ closed-door session earlier meant for thirty minutes, but lasted for one-hour and twenty minutes.
Akpabio disclosed that Tinubu had written the Senate a letter of proclamation on the six-month suspension he slammed on Fubara.
The letter read aloud at plenary by Akpabio said:
“In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.
“The main features of the proclamation are as follows.
“A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, River State.
“The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
“An appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba, as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.
He also noted that parts of the resolutions at the closed-door were to set up a joint ad-hoc committee involving members of the two chambers of the National Assembly to oversee administration of the River State during the period.
The Senate further resolved that a committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups within the period of the state of emergency in River State.
Akpabio said the approval of the emergency rule was in line with the Rule 1 (b) of the Senate Standing Order and Section 305 (2) of Nigerian constitution.
