The Senate has adopted the report of its Ad hoc Committee on Oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers State, describing the move as constitutional and necessary for restoring order and stability.
Presenting the report on Wednesday, Senate Leader and Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that the declaration of emergency rule was not arbitrary, but a constitutional tool to address instability. He said the action was grounded in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers both the President and the National Assembly to intervene in the interest of national stability and governance.
“Emergency rule is not a substitute for democratic governance in any political climate. Rather, it is an extraordinary constitutional measure intended to restore order in times of disorder, promote peace in periods of conflict and ensure stability where there is instability,” he stated.
Bamidele emphasised that neither the President nor the National Assembly violated any part of the Constitution in their actions, adding that the Senate acted within its oversight powers to prevent executive excesses and preserve democracy.
He noted that the committee reviewed the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill and found it aligned with the objectives of the emergency rule. According to him, the budget prioritises stability and continuity of essential public services, with 72 per cent of the total expenditure allocated to capital projects.
“This shows a clear commitment to economic recovery and public sector efficiency. In addition, N50 billion has been earmarked in the current budget to begin offsetting the estimated N147 billion backlog of pensions and gratuities,” he said.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau praised Bamidele for the quality of the report, saying, “There is proof that he is actually the leader of the Senate because of the quality of the report. It is well structured, properly put together and produced in the best manner possible.”
Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, also endorsed the report, commending the emphasis on capital expenditure. “It is highly commendable. That shows that the interim government in Rivers is committed to delivering dividends of democracy to the community,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the committee for its swift work, expressing hope that the proposed projects would bring peace and development to Rivers State.
“I pray that when these projects are executed, they will bring more dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers and lead to peace, development and prosperity,” Akpabio added.
(NAN)