The Senate has followed the House of Representatives in endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, exercising its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.
With this approval, President Tinubu now has the authority to implement emergency measures in the state.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the authorization includes a provision for review at any time, with a mandatory reassessment required within six months.
In accordance with constitutional requirements, the National Assembly has established a joint committee comprising members from both chambers.
This committee will provide oversight of Rivers State’s administration throughout the emergency period.
Further to this, the Senate has moved to form a mediation committee made up of distinguished Nigerian citizens. This committee’s mandate will be to facilitate resolution of the political crisis that has engulfed the state.
The dual legislative approvals complete the constitutional process for implementing the emergency declaration in Rivers State.