The two chambers of the National Assembly yesterday approved the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.

The Senate took a resolution to support the emergency rule at a closed-door session where legislators deliberated on the declaration and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other elected officials in the State.

The session was announced after Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a letter from Tinubu at plenary.

Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, subsequently moved a motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules.

The motion was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

During the session, Akpabio called for a voice vote, and the lawmakers approved the request.

Announcing the outcome, Akpabio stated that the Senate had exercised its powers under Section 305(2) of the Constitution to endorse the president’s proclamation. 

“We hope that the President’s declaration will foster peace and resolve the ongoing impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio remarked.

Additionally, the Senate urged Tinubu to establish an ad hoc committee composed of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions in Rivers State.

The lawmakers also decided that the President should review or terminate the state of emergency at any time, but no later than six months from now.

Furthermore, the Senate agreed to authorise the formation of an ad hoc committee, with members from both chambers of the National Assembly, to oversee the situation in the State.

In the same vein, the House of Representatives also approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The seal of approval for the president’s proclamation came via voice vote during plenary, yesterday.

On Wednesday, the House in plenary failed to form a quorum, making it impossible for it to debate the letter of proclamation sent to it by the President.

However, more lawmakers attended yesterday’s plenary as Speaker Abbas announced that every item on the Order Paper for the day had been stepped down to consider President Tinubu’s request to approve emergency rule in Rivers State.

House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, who moved the motion for the consideration of the letter, urged his colleagues to stand up to be counted on the side of history.

He said, “We have our own biases, I have mine. But on this issue, let us all step on the precipice and assist Mr President in having a better solution to this issue. Let’s begin to work from the ground up to create the processes, conversations and negotiations necessary to bring about sustainable, credible and inclusive peace in Rivers State.”

According to Section 305(2) of the Constitution, for the emergency rule to take effect, Tinubu’s proclamation must be approved by at least two-thirds of both chambers.

This translates to 240 votes in the House of Representatives and 73 in the Senate.

The Speaker,  Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, called on members to make their contribution during the consideration of the general principles of the President’s report.

As the debate was about to begin, the member of the Labour Party representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, emphasized the need for a quorum, urging the Speaker to verify attendance before proceeding with the exercise.

“For us to continue, Section 305 (6b) requires the House to have two-thirds of members present in the chamber. Let us know our attendance because this will guide whatever we are going to do here,” he said.

Similarly, a representative of Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Frederick Agbedi, urged Speaker Abbas to demonstrate his leadership by sticking with the rules as stipulated in the Constitution.

He said, “The issue we are debating right now in second reading, is a constitutional matter, and the Constitution has prescribed what to do. It is in the integrity and interest of this House that we do the right thing.

“Please, announce the quorum so that Nigerians will know that we are not circumventing the constitution. This is not about supporting or opposing what Mr President has said, but because of your impeccable leadership, we should comply strictly with the Constitution by first transparently announcing the quorum as it is now for us to go into this debate.”

Responding, Speaker Abbas assured the lawmakers that all proceedings would strictly comply with the Constitution.

In his contribution, Deputy Spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, urged his colleagues to place the interest of Rivers people first in arriving at a solution to the crisis.

He proposed the formation of a national mediation committee to interface between Gov Fubara and the State Assembly to help bring about peace.

“We saw in the past when this country was at the point of a precipice, national committees were set up. In the past, even when there were no constitutional provisions, the doctrine of necessity was invoked, to give life back to the country.

“I want to recommend that we set up a national committee of eminent Nigerians, comprising members of the executive and the parliament like we had not long ago with Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and His Eminence, Bishop Hassan Kuka.

“This committee will mediate to ensure that there is peace in Rivers State, so that within the period of the emergency rule, the parliament, working with executive and other eminent Nigerians, will ensure that we all work together to make sure that the things that led to the emergency rule in Rivers State do not resurface again,” he said.

Also contributing, the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isah, said though the emergency rule was declared for six months; the House should recommend to the President that it can be cut short if the peace moves are successful.

“With strong commitment, the matter in Rivers can be resolved within the shortest period of time. I believe the matter can be resolved by next week. If the President shows commitment, and everyone else, we don’t need to wait for a longer period of time. Within a short time, the matter can be resolved. The President should be able to review the state of emergency at any given time,” he said.

On his part, Delta lawmaker, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, pledged his support for any initiative aimed at restoring peace in Rivers State.

He, however, argued that Section 305 of the Constitution cannot be read in isolation of Section 11 which gives the National Assembly the powers to take over the role of a State Assembly that is unable to function as is the case with Rivers State House of Assembly.

He said, “Section 305 cannot be read in isolation of Section 11 (4) of the same Constitution. If any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its function, by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State.

“The bottom line here is, I listen to Mr president’s proclamation, where he said that the Sole Administrator will be reporting to the Federal Executive Council. Mr Speaker, I disagree. The position Section 11 (4) of the Constitution should take precedence.”

All three recommendations were approved through a voice vote as Speaker Abbas disclosed that 243 lawmakers signed the attendance register.