Senate Challenges FG On Data Costs Amidst Rivers State Emergency Debate

Tinubu Faces Uphill Battle for Emergency Rule Approval in Rivers State

Listen up, folks. President Bola Tinubu is in the middle of a heated tug-of-war as he tries to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the National Assembly to approve his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This isn’t just any political drama—it’s a constitutional chess match that has everyone on edge.

According to insiders at Naija News, Tinubu’s declaration, made on Tuesday, has ignited a firestorm of debate and serious questions about its constitutional legitimacy. You can almost feel the tension in the air. It’s not just about Rivers State—it’s about setting a precedent for how emergency powers are wielded in Nigeria.

Tinubu’s Address: A Closer Look

In his national address, the president didn’t mince words. He laid out a detailed case, citing a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State as the main reason for his bold decision to declare a state of emergency. Now, here’s where things get interesting. As part of this emergency measure, Tinubu made a controversial move by suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. That’s a big deal, folks.

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But wait, there’s more. Tinubu didn’t stop there. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the administrator for the state during the emergency period. Admiral Ibas is no stranger to high-pressure situations, and his appointment has sparked both praise and criticism. Some see it as a strategic move, while others question whether it’s the right call.

Challenges in the National Assembly

Here’s the kicker: Tinubu’s efforts to get the National Assembly to approve the emergency rule are hitting roadblocks left and right. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about the process. Sources within the National Assembly have revealed that both the Senate and the House of Representatives are struggling to form a quorum due to the absence of many lawmakers. Where are they, you ask? A significant number of them are currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj and Ramadan fasting. Timing couldn’t be worse.

Let’s break it down. The quorum requirement for the Senate is 37 members, while the House of Representatives needs 120 members to form a quorum. But even if they manage to get enough people in the room, the constitution has a twist. According to a member of the House of Representatives, “Even if we manage to form a quorum, the constitution says the vote shall involve all members—meaning 109 in the Senate and 360 in the House.” That’s a tall order.

The Constitution Speaks

On Wednesday night, the leaders of the National Assembly were reportedly collecting signatures from absent members to allow them to vote in absentia. Sounds like a creative solution, right? Not so fast. Some lawmakers have raised concerns that this move would be unconstitutional. According to Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives are required to convene or arrange a meeting to consider the state of emergency and decide whether to pass a resolution approving the proclamation. There’s no room for absentee voting or voting via remote methods like WhatsApp.

A senator who spoke to TheCable on Wednesday night emphasized, “There is no provision for absentee or WhatsApp voting. Every member will stand up and declare if they are in support of or against the declaration of the state of emergency.” This insistence on in-person voting reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of the process, even if it means delaying the decision.

So, where does this leave us? Tinubu’s declaration has sparked a national conversation about the balance of power and the importance of following constitutional procedures. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: this is a moment that will shape the future of governance in Nigeria. Stay tuned, folks. This story is far from over.

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