NewStats: 3,264,817 , 8,184,790 topics. Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025 at 01:07 PM 631n5a

obyno82:


Please see the statement from Senator Dickson. They didn't want to allow an Open Plenary for there to be discussions on this before voting on the SOE issue.

Today at the sitting of the Senate, the issue of the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State came up for discussion and as I have stated repeatedly, I raised my objections in the closed session on how the declaration fell short of constitutional prescription, based on my view as a Democrat, sworn to uphold the Nigerian constitution.

The Senate did not undertake the debate in an open session however, it was quite robust. I want to thank Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for his strong of the unconstitutionality of the declaration, especially the aspect that deals with the suspension of the elected officials of the Rivers State government.

At the end of the day, majority of the senators ed the proclamation as no room was given for an open debate at plenary. I left the plenary before the Senate President was directed to report the outcome because I didn’t want to be present while what I opposed is being reported. I believe Senator Tambuwal, Senator Abaribe and others equally left too.

I want to make it clear that as I stated repeatedly, I spoke and voted against the proclamation in our closed session, ed by Senator Aminu Tambuwal and a few other senators who were not recognized to speak.

And so I want to thank all the senators who shared the view that I vigorously canvassed.

I am however aware of the efforts made to modify the declaration as a result of the concerns and views we have expressed and canvassed the past few days. Though I acknowledge the effort being made by the leadership and President to moderate the of the declaration and to create a mechanism for oversight, theoretically this does not counter the primary issue of constitutionality.

The beauty of democracy is such that the minority will have their say while the majority their way. I would have wished for a more robust and open debate so that all views and opinions can be openly canvassed as I requested even at the closed session specifically and thereafter, the majority can have their way but as it is, both chambers have decided and the ball is now on the court of the other arms of government, especially the judiciary, in the event of any challenge.

My attention has also been drawn to a viral video showing parts of the unfortunate exchanges between the Senate President and I before we desolved to the closed session.

As I said on the floor, the Senate President was very unfair to me by trying to censor my freedom of expression and by deliberately misrepresenting the import of what I said in the broadcast yesterday which was the same thing I said on the floor today. It is my opposition in principle to the declaration of a state of emergency, as well as the suspension of elected officials.

I thank all those who have called to commend my composure under unnecessary and unexpected attempt at intimidation. Everyone, including the Senate President, knows I have long gone beyond that stage in my life.

The Senate as I said is a meeting of equals and everyone should be respected just as we accord respect to the Chair. No senator needs the permission of the senate president to express an opinion in an interview on a topical matter of national interest that is in the public domain.

I intend to meet the Senate President to formally express my displeasure, to prevent a reoccurrence.

I thank my constituents, Nigerians and all people of goodwill who have called to express solidarity and urge them not to be dismayed at the direction our democracy appears to have taken.

For someone like me who has been in trenches over the years, all these challenges are actually a call to duty and I therefore implore all people of goodwill to come together and ensure that participatory democracy is promoted in our country.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Rivers State.

HSD

Can they boycott the sitting at the NASS to decimate the ruling party from forming the required quorum

Can they stage a walkout before the plenary started since they sensed the room

These are the things they have done in the past...why empower the so unconstitutionality from being ed by forming quorum

They can do better...they are all complicit ...they played politics.

This statement no change anything

regenerateman:



The house of Rep used voice vote to confirm the SOE in a constitutional matter which is an aberration. This man is killing our nascent democracy. , he ran away with the like of Prof Woke Soyinka and co from the country, when others were dying for this democracy. The likes of MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola and Rtd Gen Musa Yar' Adua etc. Others went to jail like Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Rtd Gen Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Femi Falana etc

Opposition NASS can actually stay away from NASS for that 48hrs..to frustrate the efforts of forming a quorum..if they actually mean business.
Is it today opposition NASS usually stage walkouts
. let's be objective..they all want the SOE to stay...that's it

obyno82:


Try and comprehend simple English. He said he has been following for the past 2 days.

He should gerrout...Why not following and make inputs from the inception of the crisis

"I have closely followed developments in Rivers State in the past two days, and my initial silence was informed by the desire to let the authorities and parties in the conflict to do what is right."

another joker!
So, the events at Rivers State started 2 days ago Elder statesman, you were sleeping Sir

Anyways, all opposition leaders....NNPP, LP, PDP should bury their heads in shame, for their inability to prevail over their at the NASS!
It clearly shows their do not respect their parties...internal democracy at those parties is zero!

One of them was even issuing a statement to elected NASS from his party on social media ...very sad one!

Anyways, it's clear there is no opposition in Nigeria...and you guys will selfishly give power to APC and Tinubu in 2027...I just don't see how you can defeat this man.

Nonsense!

Things opposition should do..if they are serious ..

It's not enough wearing agbada and calling press conferences...

Not enough telling your reps on social media, who have no respect for your party to do your bidding at the floor of NASS...

Get to the street and lead massive opposition protest against bad policies and unconstitutional moves of the ruling party.

That's how we will take you serious!

Na now dem go begin reason wetin dem suppose do..

The elders slept for too long!!!

Well, today's events at the National Assembly shows there is no viable opposition in Nigeria...

It's so disheartening to see the NNPP, LP, SDP and PDP failed to call on their supposed Assembly to do their bidding at the floor of the house and senate chamber.

Anyways, make anyone no disturb themselves... opposition are not ready and Tinubu go win again in 2027...It's not sentiment..it's not emotions..It's just the fact opposition are not serious.

One thing is clear...

The opposition parties are toothless, lame dogs!!!

It's a pity they can't prevail on their elected officers at the NASS..

We all know the ruling party doesn't have the numbers...so, how come things like this scaled through
.. despite all the noise from the opposition quarters

Shame on PDP, LP and NNPP

Gandollar:
I'm not your teacher. You can get any answers you are looking for on Google.

Then you don't need to comment on something you can't clarify.

It's silly to do so

Gandollar:
When Jonathan declared same in 3 states but didn't sack elected officials, what were they doing?

You tell us, since you know.

Was there an ?

We go know this morning

"The NASS might approve the state of emergency but should reject the suspension of Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers."

...and what will they be doing, especially when there is a sole

Hasty ko....Hasty ni

O ti lor..

Make Una focus on how the Governor and Lawmakers go close ranks and work together..

That's the next step

chopnaira:
Politics na your mate?

In 6 months time, I won't be surprised that Fubara and the Rivers house of assembly would all defect to APC.

Tinubu gave him a life line to prevent the River state house of assembly from impeaching him.

This is politics...one will clearly see a strong politician is advising this Edo Governor....make peace with opposing LG Chairmen and get their buy-in with time...and this is exactly what Gov Fubara should have done....proper rapport with the Lawmakers for save us all these drama

helinues:
Good

All the best in temporary governing Rivers state

Bias wouldn't have thought for mili seconds to be the sole of any state. But fate sometimes might have something surprising for us

The kain blessing wey person no envisage...They just buttered his bread, just like that

Fubara and the lawmakers should close ranks..

This is the only available commonsense voice of reasoning..

They should not listen to noises advising them to go to court...na long route be that.

Close ranks and meet the President say all is now well...simple.

Oya now..

Bring it on..

Let's see what happens tomorrow

DMerciful:
Only Yorubas defend Tinubu

Let the elders in Rivers State stand-up!

They have been sleeping and it's unfortunate that can't talk to their sons.

If you fail to teach your sons... untoward interference from outsiders will whip them into line

Dem no born dem make dem no ratify the declaration..

All these na eyes service

PDP never serious..

Na to toe the path of reconciliation..that's the way to go

Now they are talking..

Let's have it

Una don start...

Instead of Una to advise the suspended Governor and Lawmakers to as a matter of urgency close ranks, reach agreement to work together..so that they can resume in earnest..

Una still dey do agidi...ehn, go to court and challenge the declaration na

gidgiddy:


In other words, the President suspended a democratically elected Governor, not because he has any constitutional powers to do so, but because there is no law preventing him from doing so?

Think of it this way. If there was no law on state emergency, would Tinubu have the right to declare state of emergency because there's no law preventing him from declaring one?

Can you please clarify what EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES mean in that Section 305 3C Falz posted

Hmmmm..

Section 305 3c of the constitution...The President shall have power to issue a state of emergency only when:
There is breakdown of public order or public safety in any part of the federation to such extent that it requires extraordinary measures to restore peace and order.


What exactly can we say are Extraordinary Measures

I believe this is very broad, and may include suspension of elected officers in that state.

The state remains safe, secure, and peaceful under my watch. Rivers people have always been resilient, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” he added.


Mr Governor, you didn't distance yourself from threats going from militants to attack oil installations...

You even said you will tell your boys when to act...

And then, you didn't condemn the bombing of oil installations...which is of interest to the FGN.

These are loopholes.

"The NBA questions whether the political crisis in Rivers State has reached the level of a complete breakdown of law and order warranting the removal of the Governor and his istration. "


The two oil infrastructure bombing incidents cannot be overlooked by the FGN, especially when it seems the State Government was I not bothered and no official communication condemning threats from militants corner, prior to the bombing by the Governor.


I am not a lawyer, but the constitution empowers the President to use any measures to restore constitutional order during state of emergency. This is a very broad provision

PlanetZero:


It is called blog. Blog don't need physical office

Okay. I am in of anything to regulate their activities

occfx:


What happens to database, what happens to your useless NIN and BVNs. Sharing country with low thinking people is the worst thing that has happened to humanity.

You have a point...but if they feel they are limiting, and this method will be easier for them...the point is to crackdown on all forms of criminality

lexy2014:


But kidnappers are hiding in the bush with hostages and you think bloggers hiding behind key pad should be your priority as well as that of the senators.

are the senators able to nigerians?

should that not be the priority?

are they taking part of the responsibility for bad governance and for not properly supervising the executive but being a rubber stamp to the executive?

Deliberate falsehood is a crime. Just like kidnappers are criminals.

Government should crack down on every form of criminality

It's necessary...

You can't hide behind key pad ..cook cock and bull stories for likes and shares .. falsehood you deliberately cooked to sell stories..na..

There should be an avenue to take responsibilities

Na all these mouth push the state to where it is now..

Just mouth for nothing...

Instead of Una to start looking for political solutions