Rivers crisis: Senate receives Tinubu’s letter on state of emergency

President Bola Tinubu has formally informed the Senate about the six-month suspension imposed on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.  

The letter of proclamation was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after which the Senate immediately went into a closed-door session to deliberate on the matter.

The letter read, “I 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.

“While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Akpabio after reading the letter said, “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for Immediate passage.”

Immediately after the letter, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa West raised a point of Order 133 that has to do with having a closed-door session over the proclamation letter.

The day’s plenary session commenced at noon with the National Anthem and thereafter the prayer at 12.01 pm.

The motion for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday was adopted by Senator Barinada Mpigi, PDP, Rivers South East and seconded by Senator Idiat Adebute, APC, Lagos West.