The Senate has acknowledged receiving a formal communication from President Bola Tinubu regarding the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. However, the debate on the matter has been postponed to 3 PM.
Initially listed as the first item on the Senate’s order paper for the day, the discussion was deferred when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).
His motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), leading the Senate to proceed with the next agenda item instead.
Following this, the Senate moved on to the confirmation hearing for nominees appointed as members of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Presenting the report, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori (APC, Jigawa East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, urged the chamber to consider the nominations.
Today’s plenary session began later than scheduled, with the usual prayer session commencing at 12:41 PM, shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio arrived. Proceedings officially began at 1:05 PM with the approval of votes and proceedings.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing ongoing political instability, constitutional violations, and security concerns.
His directive led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a prolonged political dispute between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
In an effort to stabilize the situation, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the state’s sole administrator.
More updates to follow…
