Senator Aminu Tambuwal has raised serious concerns over the Senate’s approval of the emergency rule in Rivers State, arguing that the legislative body lacked the constitutionally required two-thirds majority to sanction the controversial decision.
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, following rising political tensions and security challenges, has been met with widespread debate. While the federal government insists that the decision was necessary to restore order, opposition figures, including Tambuwal, claim the process was flawed and unconstitutional.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current senator representing Sokoto South, criticized the Senate leadership for allegedly rushing the approval process.
“The Constitution is clear on matters of emergency rule. Such a decision requires the endorsement of two-thirds of the entire Senate, not just a simple majority of members present during the session. By failing to meet this threshold, the approval of emergency rule in Rivers State is legally questionable,” Tambuwal stated.
He further accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of “undue haste” in pushing the measure through without proper legislative scrutiny. “A decision of this magnitude, which directly affects the democratic governance of a state, must be thoroughly debated and subjected to due legislative process,” he added.
In response, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed Tambuwal’s claims, stating that the decision followed all constitutional requirements. According to him, “The Senate acted within its powers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. The emergency rule was debated extensively before approval was given. Senator Tambuwal’s objections are politically motivated.”
However, legal experts are divided on the issue. Some constitutional analysts argue that Tambuwal’s position holds merit, as Section 305 of the Constitution explicitly mandates a two-thirds majority vote before emergency rule can be imposed in any state.
The controversy has deepened political tensions within the National Assembly. Several opposition senators have echoed Tambuwal’s concerns, demanding a review of the approval process. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also called for a legal challenge to overturn the decision.
Meanwhile, in Rivers State, reactions remain mixed. Supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was suspended following the emergency declaration, have described the Senate’s action as “a legislative coup.” Conversely, members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) argue that emergency rule was necessary to prevent further instability in the state.
With mounting opposition, there are growing calls for a judicial review of the Senate’s approval process. Some lawmakers are reportedly considering filing a suit at the Supreme Court to challenge the legality of the decision.
As political and legal battles loom, the fate of Rivers State’s governance hangs in the balance. Whether the emergency rule will stand or be overturned remains to be seen, but the controversy is far from over.
