The Senate has postponed the debate on the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu to Thursday, March 20.
The delay was announced after the Senate leadership postponed the start of its plenary by nearly two hours due to the absence of several senators, from both major parties, who had not yet taken their seats.
The debate was rescheduled for 3 pm after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who sponsored the motion, moved to delay the discussion, citing Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended). Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) seconded the motion, and the chamber proceeded to the next agenda item without further discussion.
The motion, proposed by Bamidele, raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Rivers State, highlighting threats from militants and reports of oil pipeline vandalism. It emphasized the need for extraordinary measures to restore peace, good governance, and security in the state.
To approve the state of emergency, the Senate requires a two-thirds majority (73 out of 109 senators) to allow the emergency rule to take effect. There were concerns, however, that the House may struggle to meet the required majority on Thursday.
In the end, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote on the postponement and suspension of the plenary, which was overwhelmingly supported by the senators present.