Senate Backs Rivers State Emergency, Sets Six-Month Review Timeline
The Nigerian Senate has endorsed the state of emergency in Rivers State, exercising its constitutional authority to address the ongoing political crisis. In a closed-door meeting Thursday, senators applied Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the President to declare emergency rule when governance significantly breaks down. They directed President Bola Tinubu to conduct periodic reviews and consider ending the emergency within six months. The Senate also activated Section 11(4) of the Constitution, enabling the National Assembly to take over legislative responsibilities for Rivers State while elected officials remain suspended. Federal lawmakers will manage the state's legislative functions until stability returns. Additionally, senators announced a committee of prominent citizens to mediate between the conflicting political groups in Rivers, aiming to promote dialogue and permanently resolve the crisis. This decision follows the House of Representatives' earlier approval of the emergency […]
