The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to impose emergency rule in Rivers State, deepening the state’s ongoing political crisis.
Following a closed-door session on Thursday, lawmakers endorsed Tinubu’s directive, which includes the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the federal takeover of the state’s administration. Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the session, during which senators deliberated on the controversial move before granting approval.
This decision came a day after Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of Rivers State. Wasting no time, Ibas arrived at the Rivers State Government House on Thursday morning and immediately held a closed-door meeting with senior security officers, federal government representatives, and top state officials.
Photos obtained by SaharaReporters depict Ibas in action, signaling the swift execution of the federal government’s takeover of Rivers State.
Before reaching a decision, the Senate held a secret session to weigh the implications of Tinubu’s emergency rule request. The session commenced after Senate President Akpabio read the president’s letter seeking legislative approval.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele initiated the motion for a closed session under Order 135 of the Senate rules. Explaining the move, Bamidele stated:
“In the first instance, I came under Order 1(b) of our rules, which gives us power to regulate our procedure. The first task was for me to inform our colleagues that we are going to adjust the items on the order paper. The next step, of course, is to move a motion for us to enter a closed session pursuant to Order 135 of our rules.”
The motion was seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, paving the way for behind-the-scenes deliberations.
Earlier, the House of Representatives had also thrown its weight behind Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration, voting overwhelmingly in favor. With both chambers in agreement, the president’s directive has now been formalized in accordance with the constitution.
Amid the unfolding crisis, reports have surfaced alleging that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, played a significant role in securing Senate approval. According to sources quoted by SaharaReporters, Wike allegedly provided Senate President Akpabio with funds to sway lawmakers in favor of the emergency rule.
While the Senate initially listed Tinubu’s letter for deliberation on Wednesday, Senate Leader Bamidele invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate until 3 p.m. Sources suggest the delay was strategic, ensuring that fewer senators would be present for the final decision.
“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio as they met yesterday after Tinubu told him to do the groundwork for the state of emergency. Over $3 million was provided when Wike met Akpabio. Akpabio then invited some senators to Iftar, after which he distributed dollars based on their seniority.”
However, some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, reportedly abstained from the meeting.
Further reports indicate that a request for an open vote was denied, and the postponement until 3 p.m. led to a situation where fewer than 60 senators were present—below the required 72 signatures for approval. Similarly, in the House of Representatives, confusion erupted due to the lack of prior consultation with Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
With the emergency rule now in effect, Rivers State finds itself under federal control, marking a significant shift in its political landscape.
