The Nigerian Senate has made it clear that the emergency rule in Rivers State is not meant to replace democracy. According to Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, it is only a short-term solution to bring peace and stability to the state.
Bamidele said this while speaking in Abuja during the presentation of Rivers State’s 2025 budget, which totals N1.4 trillion. He explained that emergency rule is a legal action allowed by the constitution and is used when a state faces serious problems.
He added that this kind of emergency measure should never be seen as a permanent way of governing. Instead, it is used during times of conflict to help restore peace and bring things back to normal.
According to him, the Senate followed the rules in Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution when it took this action. The special committee set up by the Senate, which Bamidele leads, is not just looking at the budget figures. It is also making sure the money will be used properly to benefit the people of Rivers State.
The Senate will monitor how the money is spent in key areas like roads, schools, hospitals, and security. Bamidele said the goal is to make sure the funds lead to real development so people can see results and regain trust in their leaders.
Ibok-Ete Ibas, who is now the sole administrator of Rivers State, told the Senate that some state officials refused to hand over key financial documents. Because of this, it was hard to fully explain how money was spent in the first part of the year.
He admitted that the budget is not perfect due to these challenges but said it was prepared to match the state’s development plan. The budget aims to improve infrastructure, grow the economy, and build people’s skills.
Ibas said the budget focuses on solving today’s issues while also planning for future growth.
President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers on March 18 because of ongoing political problems. In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio formed a special committee of 18 members to oversee the state’s affairs. The team is led by Bamidele and includes well-known senators like Tahir Munguno, Sani Musa, and Adamu Aliero.
The Senate has assured the public that democracy will return to Rivers as soon as peace and stability are fully restored.
