The Nigerian Senate on Thursday approved President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday.
The red chamber’s resolution was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Thursday. This was after the Senate had gone into a two hours closed door session.
Recall that President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers state. This was as result of intractable crisis between the Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Rivers State.
He said: “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The State has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.
“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail
“No responsible President will stand by, without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.
“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the State in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
In Wednesday, Tinubu sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Recall also that the House of Representatives have also approved President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The House during its plenary on Thursday, gave it’s approval to the suspension of Rivers State Governor Fubara, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
The Nation