Contrary to expectations, the Senate and House of Representatives were unable to debate and approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, and the appointment of an administrator.
According to News Bulletin, discussions were postponed due to a lack of quorum and the absence of a gazetted proclamation detailing the grounds for the emergency declaration.
Before the plenary session, sharp divisions emerged among senators over the constitutionality of the move. Many lawmakers opposed the declaration, citing non-compliance with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Tensions rose when it was revealed that no gazetted proclamation had been presented—a crucial document outlining the governor’s alleged offences and justifying the state of emergency.
For the motion to be debated, a two-thirds quorum was required, necessitating 73 senators. However, only 61 were present, further stalling the discussion. The Senate leadership, realizing the lack of necessary support, opted to delay deliberations to garner more backing.
A source disclosed that many senators were preparing to travel abroad for Umrah, making it unlikely to secure the required number for a vote.
Despite Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s presence and the opening prayer at 12:41 PM, the session remained at a standstill. The first item on the agenda—Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s motion on the Rivers State emergency—was not debated. Instead, the Senate moved on to the confirmation of nominees for the Police Service Commission.
The Plenary was eventually adjourned at 2:45 PM without any mention of the presidential proclamation.
Speaking after the session, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) explained that the postponement was necessary to allow more lawmakers to participate in the debate.
“The Senate is a democratic institution,” he stated. “We want to give room for more members to air their views. Though we had a quorum with 68 senators signing the register, we preferred to adjourn to ensure broader participation.”
He added that the timing of the session—coinciding with fasting hours—may have affected attendance, reinforcing the need for a rescheduled debate.
