The Nigerian Senate has postponed the consideration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing insufficient numbers to pass the required votes.
President Tinubu had earlier proclaimed a six-month emergency rule, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. But on Tuesday, the Senate leadership decided to hold off the motion because fewer than the 73 senators needed for approval were present.
Reports indicate that many Senators were absent due to the ongoing Ramadan fast, with some currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj.
Senate leaders expressed hope that the situation would improve, confirming that the debate would resume today. Senate spokesperson Jude Ezenwata said: “Members are fasting and praying at home. They will be here tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, a similar scenario played out in the House of Representatives, as a palpable tension over the emergency rule proclamation discouraged the leadership from reading the President's letter.
Members of the House gathered in small groups before the plenary, visibly divided on the Rivers State issue. A shouting match broke out between two female legislators, prompting intervention by fellow lawmakers to prevent physical confrontation. Others were seen banging tables and voicing opposition loudly.
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, successfully restored calm by acknowledging students who were on an excursion visit to the chamber, and routine House business resumed thereafter.
Despite the temporary calm, insiders expect the debate to heat up again when the letter is officially presented in today’s plenary session.
