The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Jimoh Ibrahim, has attributed the postponement of the Senate debate on President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State to the absence of several lawmakers.

In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, the Ondo South senator explained that the debate was rescheduled for Thursday to allow absent legislators, including those observing Ramadan, to participate.

“Tomorrow morning, the proclamation will be debated. By then, information would have reached other members. Some are fasting and praying at home, but they will be present tomorrow. At 10 o’clock, we will take it up. We are in alignment with Mr. President,” he said.

Ibrahim also clarified that the emergency rule was not a complete dissolution of democratic institutions but a temporary measure to restore peace and security.

“The President did not dissolve democratic structures; he only suspended them for six months to allow all parties to resolve their differences and restore stability in Rivers State,” he stated.

The Senate had earlier suspended its plenary after failing to reach a consensus on the debate. Despite having a quorum, the leadership opted to delay proceedings to ensure broader participation.

The motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, cited growing security concerns in Rivers State, including threats from militants and reports of pipeline vandalism. The Senate will require a two-thirds majority (73 out of 109 senators) to approve the emergency rule.

President Tinubu declared the state of emergency on Tuesday night, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state assembly. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator for an initial six-month period, citing political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats.