2 weeks Ago By Kareem Azeez
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has defended the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency rule in Rivers State, insisting that lawmakers acted in line with constitutional provisions and national interest. Speaking at the 29th convocation of Ekiti State University in Ado-Ekiti, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree, Bamidele stated that the legislature followed due process as outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau, and other key lawmakers, alongside Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman Dr.
Zacch Adedeji and Bank of Industry Governing Board Chairman Dr. Mansur Muhtar, who were also honored. Bamidele noted that emergency rule is an exceptional measure aimed at restoring order and should not be misinterpreted.
“We must recognisethat emergency rule is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and security,” he said. The National Assembly’s decision has sparked debates, with opposition groups and civil society organizations questioning the rationale behind the approval. Critics argue that the move could set a precedent for future interventions in state governance.
Bamidele, however, maintained that the lawmakers acted responsibly and should be commended rather than criticized. He said, “What exactly do we want as a people? A federation that functions for all? Or a federation that relapses into an intractable crisis?,” adding: “As a responsible and responsive parliament that sees peace and stability as a catalyst of growth and development, we were inaugurated into office to promote a nation that works for all and that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all,” citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Nigeria Interpretation Act 2004. He further argued that the legislature’s approval had helped ease political tensions in Rivers State.
The political crisis in Rivers escalated following a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The dispute led to a divided state assembly, court rulings, and interventions from the presidency. While defending the decision, Bamidele dismissed opposition criticism as politically motivated, urging dissatisfied parties to seek legal redress.
READ ALSO: Rivers: State of emergency declared in national interest, says Senate leader “We should be commended for this laudable initiative and not vilified by some political actors who do not bother about national security but only about their interests,” he said. He emphasized that the National Assembly remains committed to upholding national stability and will continue to exercise its legislative authority to ensure peace. Meanwhile, the convocation event also highlighted infrastructure developments at Ekiti State University.
Pro-Chancellor Prof. Akin Oyebode acknowledged alumni contributions, including projects facilitated by Bamidele, such as the construction of medical hostels, a mini-stadium, and a road linking the alumni village with the College of Medicine. Vice-Chancellor Prof.
Joseph Ayodele expressed satisfaction with the university’s recent ranking as Nigeria’s top state university by Times Higher Education. He attributed this success to increased government support and alumni engagement..
