Paragraph 1: The Genesis of the Emergency Rule and the Senate’s Response
The political landscape of Rivers State took a dramatic turn on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, a decision that placed the state’s governance under intense scrutiny. In response to this unprecedented move, the Senate, demonstrating its commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the welfare of the people of Rivers State, promptly established an 18-member Ad-hoc Committee. Tasked with overseeing the state’s affairs during the emergency period, this committee, chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, signaled the Senate’s proactive engagement in navigating the complexities of the situation. This swift action underscored the upper legislative chamber’s determination to maintain a balance between the exigencies of the emergency and the preservation of democratic norms.
Paragraph 2: Inaugural Meeting and the Joint Budgetary Oversight Plan
The Senate Ad-hoc Committee commenced its work with an inaugural meeting held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. This meeting served as a crucial platform for outlining the committee’s objectives and strategies. A significant outcome of the inaugural session was the agreement to collaborate with the House of Representatives’ corresponding Ad-hoc Committee in overseeing the 2025 Rivers State budget. This joint effort reflected the National Assembly’s unified approach to ensuring financial accountability and transparency during the emergency period. The joint committee planned to summon Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, along with other key state officials, to defend the budget proposal submitted by President Tinubu on the administrator’s behalf.
Paragraph 3: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency in Budgetary Processes
Senator Bamidele, in his address during the inaugural meeting, emphasized the National Assembly’s resolve to guarantee meticulous financial scrutiny and adherence to principles of good governance in Rivers State. The decision to conduct a joint budget defense session, involving both the Senate and House committees, demonstrated the legislature’s commitment to maintaining checks and balances on the executive branch, even under emergency rule. This collaborative approach aimed to provide a robust framework for scrutinizing the budget, ensuring that allocations were aligned with the needs of the people and free from impropriety. The involvement of both chambers signified a united front in upholding fiscal responsibility.
Paragraph 4: Upholding Democratic Principles Amidst Emergency Rule
Senator Bamidele reassured the public that the Senate remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles, even as Rivers State navigated the complexities of emergency rule. He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to effectively oversee the Sole Administrator’s actions, emphasizing the importance of diligence and thoroughness in their oversight role. The senator’s words conveyed a clear message: while emergency rule necessitated certain adjustments to governance, it did not diminish the importance of democratic accountability and transparency. The Senate’s focus remained on ensuring the welfare and rights of the citizens of Rivers State were protected throughout this period.
Paragraph 5: The Scope of the Budgetary Review Process
The 2025 Rivers State budget, a central point of focus for the Ad-hoc Committee, would be subjected to a comprehensive review process. Senator Bamidele outlined the committee’s detailed work plan and timetable for the budget defense sessions, highlighting the commitment to a structured and systematic approach. Beyond the Sole Administrator, the review process would involve key financial officials within the Rivers State government, including the Accountant-General, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and other officials responsible for economic management. This broad involvement aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the state’s financial situation and the rationale behind budget allocations.
Paragraph 6: The National Assembly’s Commitment to Good Governance in Rivers State
Senator Bamidele reiterated the National Assembly’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that governance in Rivers State did not suffer during the emergency period. He emphasized that the legislative body would exercise its oversight function with utmost propriety, leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to protect the interests of the state’s citizens. This commitment extended beyond budgetary matters to encompass all aspects of governance, signaling the National Assembly’s intention to act as a vigilant guardian of the rights and well-being of the people of Rivers State. The overarching goal was to navigate the challenges of emergency rule while upholding democratic principles and ensuring the continued delivery of essential services to the citizens.
