The Senate has acknowledged receipt of President Bola Tinubu’s letter concerning the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. However, discussions on the matter have been rescheduled for 3 PM.
Although the issue was listed as the first item on the agenda, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to propose a delay. His motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), leading the Senate to move forward with another agenda item instead.
Following this, the chamber proceeded with the confirmation hearing for nominees to the Police Service Commission (PSC). Presenting the report, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori (APC, Jigawa East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, urged lawmakers to consider the appointments.
Wednesday’s plenary session began later than scheduled. The customary prayer session commenced at 12:41 PM after Senate President Godswill Akpabio arrived, with official proceedings beginning at 1:05 PM following the approval of votes and proceedings.
President Tinubu had, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing ongoing political instability, constitutional violations, and security concerns. As part of this measure, he suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
The crisis in Rivers State has been fueled by a political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. To manage the state’s affairs, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator.
More details to follow…
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