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Rivers: Senate set to debate emergency declaration today
The Senate has announced plans to debate the motion on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State during Thursday’s plenary session. This was confirmed by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-Parliamentary Committee, during a briefing in Abuja.
The motion, titled ‘Proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers’ was sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and included in Wednesday’s Order Paper but was not debated. Ibrahim assured that it would be thoroughly discussed on Thursday without further delay.
Explaining the postponement, Ibrahim noted that Ramadan observance played a role. “Tomorrow morning, members will be informed. They are fasting and praying today at home,” Ibrahim stated during the briefing. “By 10 o’clock, they will be present, and we shall commence debate. Life and security matters are serious and cannot be treated lightly,” he added.
Ibrahim defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare the emergency, explaining that democratic institutions in Rivers were temporarily suspended, not dissolved, for six months to address the crisis. “The President did not dissolve democratic institutions. Suspension for six months allows time for dialogue and resolution,” Ibrahim emphasized. He highlighted that this measure was designed to foster peace and stability in Rivers State and align with constitutional provisions.
Addressing suggestions that the motion was postponed due to a lack of quorum, Ibrahim dismissed such claims, stating, “Two-thirds of the Senate equals 73. On Tuesday, 78 senators signed the register, including presiding and principal officers.” He explained that the decision to adjourn was to enable broader participation in Thursday’s session.
“Democracy values numbers and participation. We decided to adjourn for more inclusivity. Today, 68 senators signed in. Although there are 10 Senate leaders to reach, we had more than a quorum. We could have proceeded but avoided passing the proclamation while members were fasting or absent, to prevent misunderstandings,” Ibrahim clarified.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is based on Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the President the authority to take extraordinary measures in situations involving serious security threats. However, for the proclamation to remain valid, it must be debated and approved by the National Assembly within two days; otherwise, it will automatically expire.
Many citizens, however, have raised concerns that the decision could face legal challenges, particularly since it is perceived as unconstitutional or politically driven.
As the Senate prepares to deliberate, both legal and political analysts are keeping a close eye on the developments, anticipating how this unprecedented situation will play out in the days ahead.
Gunmen have assassinated Muhammad Adamu, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State, in his residence in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
This ugly development occurred on Wednesday night, shortly after Adamu had broken his fast.
The Plateau State MACBAN Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the attack, condemning the killing and calling for a thorough probe.
“This is a great loss to the Fulani community and the entire state. We urge security agencies to swiftly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Babayo said.
A local youth leader, Alhaji Danjuma Ibrahim, also confirmed the assassination, revealing that Adamu had been targeted in previous attacks.
“This was the third attempt on his life. Unfortunately, this time, the gunmen succeeded. They shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene,” he said.
According to Danjuma, security forces, including the police and military, responded quickly to the incident, and Adamu’s body was taken to Barkin Ladi General Hospital.
“His remains are scheduled for burial on Thursday,” he added.
Describing Adamu’s death as a tragic loss, Danjuma highlighted his contributions to peacebuilding in the community.
“He played a crucial role in maintaining harmony between different groups in Barkin Ladi. His absence will be deeply felt,” he said
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has said that all Corps Members would be credited with their new monthly allowance of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira with effect from March, 2025.
He said the Scheme and Federal Government are responsive to their welfare and would continue to ensure that their well-being is accorded maximum priority at all times.
The Director General disclosed this on Thursday while interacting with Corps Members in Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
General Nafiu, who thanked the Corps Members for their selfless service to the nation advised them to remain calm, dedicated, focused and disciplined.
He lauded the founding father of the Scheme for conceiving the vision, while he advocated that all and sundry should rally round the Scheme.
General Nafiu added that NYSC is a beautiful Scheme that is building bridges and exposing graduate youths to learn and understand the cultural values of places outside their places of birth.
He stated further that Management would continue to instill the virtues of patriotism, discipline , self-restraint, good morals, leadership qualities and teamwork in the successive batches of Corps Members.
“With effect from March, you are going to receive the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance.
NYSC is good at record keeping and l can assure you that your money will be paid. The Nation and the Scheme appreciate you”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of her colleagues at Garki Zone, Corps Member Zaka Deborah Alheri FC/24A/5831, lauded the Director General for his conscientious efforts towards the payment of their increased monthly allowance.
Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the caucus is made up of lawmakers from the 19 Northern states and the FCT.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the caucus chairman, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, said the move was necessary and in the best interest of the country, urging everyone to support the president’s decision, emphasizing that it must stand.
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