The Senate on Wednesday failed to consider President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, despite listing it as the first order of the day on its Order Paper. The matter was initially shifted to 3 pm, but when the time came, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to step down the item until the next legislative day, Thursday, March 20.

The proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been met with opposition, particularly in the House of Representatives. President Tinubu declared the emergency rule in Rivers on Tuesday, citing escalating political tension in the oil-rich state. According to Section 305 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate is required to approve the emergency proclamation.

However, it appears that the Senate is buying time to lobby and win more members to support the president’s proclamation. The Senate requires a two-thirds majority, or 73 out of its 109 members, to pass the emergency declaration. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has 64 senators, but as of 1:40 pm on Wednesday, not all 64 APC senators were present at the session.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s motion to suspend the item was made with the consent of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. No further discussion on the emergency rule was made as senators filed out of the chambers.