Like Senate, Like Reps... Rivers State Crisis By Odiawa Ai
The recent crisis in Rivers State has drawn the attention of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, all eyes were on these legislative chambers as they faced a crucial decision: to endorse or reject President Bola Tinubu's proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The tumult began earlier in the week when President Tinubu, seeking to restore order in the troubled region, sent letters to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. His request was simple yet profound: approval for the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State. This move was anticipated to be contentious, and it certainly did not disappoint.
On Wednesday, the atmosphere in the National Assembly was electric as lawmakers debated the implications of the President's proclamation. A fierce outcry from constituents echoed through the halls of power, with many voices passionately urging their representatives to stand firm against what they perceived as an overreach of executive authority. However, despite the fervent pleas of the people, the motion to reject the President's proclamation was swiftly shut down in both chambers.
The following day, the House of Representatives, dominated by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), took a decisive step in favor of the President. In an overwhelming voice vote, 240 lawmakers backed Tinubu's decision, effectively sealing his proclamation into law. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas led the charge, assuring constituents that while they supported the emergency rule, amendments would be made to safeguard the interests of Rivers State.
Among the amendments was the establishment of a committee of eminent Nigerians tasked with mediating the ongoing crisis during the emergency period. This move was seen as a nod to the concerns raised by various stakeholders who feared that unchecked executive power could exacerbate tensions in the region. Notably, the lawmakers diverged from the President's original stipulation that the new administrator report directly to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), insisting instead on maintaining a degree of oversight through the National Assembly.
The House further stipulated that the state of emergency could be reviewed and potentially terminated at any time during the initial six-month period, contingent upon progress towards peace and stability in Rivers State. This provision was a clear attempt to balance the need for immediate action with accountability and responsiveness to the evolving situation on the ground.
As if to mirror the actions of their counterparts in the lower house, the Senate also rallied behind the President's proclamation. In a similarly dramatic turn, the 109-member chamber invoked its constitutional authority under the amended 1999 Constitution to approve the emergency rule. The senators echoed the House's establishment of a joint committee, ensuring a collaborative approach to overseeing the administration of affairs in Rivers State during this turbulent time.
The developments in Rivers State have sparked a nationwide conversation about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as the role of the National Assembly in times of crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the nation watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes peace and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
As we move forward, one question remains at the forefront: Will this emergency rule lead to lasting peace, or will it further entrench divisions in the region?