Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has defended the National Assembly’s unanimous ratification of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the decision as a patriotic move made in the national interest rather than a partisan stance.
Speaking at the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctoral Degree of Law on Saturday, Bamidele emphasized that the Senate’s endorsement of the emergency rule was aimed at safeguarding peace and stability amidst the political crisis in the state.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State weeks earlier, following escalating political tension. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly. Despite public criticism of the move, the National Assembly ratified the proclamation, a decision Bamidele insists was essential to preserving order.
“We acted solely in the national interest, not on the basis of partisanship or pandering to the presidency. The state of emergency was necessary to prevent further descent into anarchy,” Bamidele stated.
He further explained that the ratification aligned with the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly to maintain peace and security across the federation. Stressing that emergency rule is an extraordinary measure, he affirmed that it was invoked to ensure peaceful coexistence and stability.
Commitment to National Development
Bamidele assured Nigerians that the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, remains committed to collaborating with the executive arm to drive socio-political and economic progress. He dismissed criticisms directed at the decision, describing them as emotionally driven rather than rooted in reason or constructive alternatives.
“We are not afraid of criticism; democracy thrives on public scrutiny. However, such criticisms should be well-structured and aimed at fostering credible and patriotic solutions,” Bamidele noted.
He added that the decision to ratify the state of emergency was based on upholding the oath of office and not yielding to pressure from political actors prioritizing personal interests over national security.
The Senate Leader also highlighted the establishment of the National Peace Committee as part of the peace process between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State, describing it as a commendable step toward restoring harmony.
As debates surrounding the state of emergency continue, Bamidele encouraged those dissatisfied with the decision to seek redress through the courts, reiterating that the Senate would remain resolute in making decisions in the best interest of the nation.
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