The Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation imposing a six-month suspension on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the approval after a closed-door session that lasted over an hour. He stated that the decision was based on Senate Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136.
Earlier, Akpabio had read Tinubu’s letter, which formally notified the Senate of the emergency declaration in Rivers State. The letter, citing Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), included key provisions such as:
•The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
•The suspension of the Governor, his Deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
•The appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba as the Administrator to oversee the state under the President’s directives.
Following the reading, Akpabio stated, “This letter is committed to the Committee of the entire Senate for immediate passage.”
Shortly after, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) raised a point of order under Order 133, calling for a closed-door session.
