The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional authority under the amended 1999 Constitution.
This decision follows the House of Representatives’ earlier approval, granting the president the power to enforce emergency measures in the crisis-hit state. However, the Senate has stipulated that the situation must be reviewed periodically, with a mandatory reassessment within six months.
In accordance with constitutional provisions, the National Assembly has also established a joint committee comprising members of both chambers to oversee governance in Rivers State throughout the emergency period.
Additionally, the Senate has resolved to set up a mediation committee made up of eminent Nigerians to facilitate dialogue and seek a resolution to the state’s political crisis.
