Emergency rule: Critics slam ‘rubber stamp’ National Assembly, Obi, Yesufu others condemn voice vote

Tope Omogbolagun

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for a state of emergency in Rivers State, sparking mixed reactions as critics condemn the use of voice vote in the approval as unconstitutional.

The decision was reached on Thursday after a closed-door session where lawmakers deliberated on the proclamation.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President read the president’s letter before lawmakers moved into an executive session that lasted for about one and a half hours.

The closed-session comes after Akpabio read the President’s gazette calling for emergency rule in River State.

After the session, Akpabio put the matter to a voice vote, with the majority of senators supporting the motion.

Akpabio announced, “The Senate, invoking the powers conferred on it by Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, approves the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State as declared by Mr. President.”

The Senate also resolved that the declaration should be subject to review and possible termination by the president at any time within a six-month period.

Additionally, lawmakers invoked Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to establish a joint ad hoc committee of both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period.

The Senate also called for the formation of a committee comprising “eminent” Nigerians to mediate and reconcile the warring factions within the state government.

Following the announcement, Akpabio subjected the proclamation to a final voice vote, which was affirmed by senators present.

“The Senate further directs that the declaration of the state of emergency stated in the proclamation documents and demands of Mr President to review and even to terminate the state of emergency at any given time, but not later than six months.

“The Senate further resolved that Section 11, Subsection 4 be invoked, providing the National Assembly the authority to set up a joint ad hoc committee of both chambers to oversight the administration of Rivers State henceforth.

” The Senate further resolved that a Committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups within the government of River State within the period of the State of Emergency in River State. “

He added, “The Senate further resolved that a Committee of eminent Nigerians to reconcile the warring factions in Rivers State should be set up and carry out their action during the period of state of emergency.

” For final ratification , I put it to the Senate that those in favour of the proclamation of the state of emergency 2025 in Rivers State , should say aye “, which was affirmatively responded to , by all the Senators in the chamber .

“This approval is done with unanimity, without a single dissenting vote,” he declared.

” Therefore , pursuant to section 60 of the constitution, section 305 (2) and pursuant to our rules, Rule 1 (b) of the standing orders of the senate and also pursuant to Rules 133, 134, 135 and 136 of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the State of Emergency Proclamation in Rivers State was approved and other vital resolutions taken “, he said .

Thereafter the Senate adjourned for one hour and reconvened later to pass votes and proceedings of the entire session and finally adjpurned to Tuesaday , 25th March , 2025

Announcing the decision, Akpabio said the senate had exercised its powers under section 305(2) of the constitution.

“It is our hope that this declaration by the president will bring peace and resolve all the impasse in Rivers State,” Akpabio said.

The senate further urged the President to set up a ad hoc committee of “eminent” Nigerians to mediate between the rival factions driving the crisis in Rivers state.

Dickson walks out of chamber before final vote

Meanwhile, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised a point of order citing Senate Standing Order 133, which requires deliberation on a state of emergency to be conducted behind closed doors.

Akpabio upheld the order, leading to the executive session where the resolutions were agreed upon.

However, after the closed-door session, Dickson walked out of the chamber before the final vote.

Speaking earlier on Arise Television, he argued that the emergency rule process was incomplete and that the removal of elected officials was not part of the constitutional provisions for a state of emergency.

“This emergency rule is a very serious constitutional development. The framers of the Nigerian Constitution took their time to regulate the conditions under which it can be imposed. None of these conditions talk about removing elected officials,” he said.

The motion for a closed-door session was moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, and seconded by Abba Moro, the minority leader.

The motion for a closed-door session followed an executive communication from President Bola Tinubu and was read by Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President at the Thursday plenary.

The letter read in part, “Distinguished President of the Senate, Gazette of State of Emergency Proclamation 2025, River State.

“In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2, of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

“I hereby forward, for the Constitution of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.

“The main features of the proclamation are as follows. A declaration of a State of Emergency in one State of the Federation, namely, River State.”

The President’s letter added, “The suspension from office of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.

“An appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba has retired as the Administrator to administer the State something to any instruction or regulation as made from time to time be issued by me.

“While I look forward to the expeditious Constitution of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration. “

Akpabio thereafter stated “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate Immediate passage.”

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the President expressed deep concern over the political turmoil in the state, stating that governance had ground to a halt.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“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.”

He further justified his decision, saying, “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.”

Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Administrator of the state, stating that the move was necessary “in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

Reactions trail Senate approval

The approval of the emergency rule has sparked reactions from political figures and civil society groups.

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate described the use of a voice vote as unconstitutional.

“The Constitution is clear that this cannot be done through a voice vote but by calling individual senators to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

“ The use of a voice vote in such a significant decision erodes public trust in the democratic process,” Obi said.

Activist Aisha Yesufu also criticized the decision, stating, “Two-thirds must be two-thirds of human beings counted and their signatures appended. ‘Nay’ and ‘Yay’ will not work here.”

Former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani urged political actors in Rivers State to prioritise peace. “The gladiators in Rivers must sit down and put the interests of the people of Rivers first. Rivers is an example of a rich man who has no peace in his home,” he said.

A group advocating for good governance condemned the passage of the emergency rule without open debate, labeling the National Assembly a “rubber stamp” institution. “Behind closed doors, they sealed the fate of Rivers State. No debate, no transparency—just a rubber stamp. This is not democracy! Nigerians, we must not accept this!” the group stated.

Some notable Nigerians including the South-South Governors, Atiku Abubakar, have rejected the emergency rule by the President.

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