The Senate has deferred its motion to approve the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State until 3 PM, without providing detailed reasons for the delay.
For the emergency rule to take effect, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority vote, meaning at least 73 out of 109 senators must support the motion.
The motion, introduced by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was slated for debate and voting during the morning session. However, lawmakers unexpectedly postponed discussions, leaving the matter unresolved for now.
The proposed motion highlights growing concerns over the escalating political tensions in Rivers State, which have brought governance to a standstill and disrupted the delivery of democratic benefits to its citizens.
“Worried that there is a clear and present danger of the crises as some militants had threatened fire and brimstone with security report of disturbing incidents of vandalization of oil pipelines
“Convinced that there is the need to provide adequate and extra ordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security in Rivers State”.
To approve the declaration, the Senate requires a two-third majority (73 out of 109 senators) to allow the emergency rule to take effect.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the oil rich South-South state.
Tinubu made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu; and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.
The president nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the first six months.
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