Senate Leader Defends National Assembly Approval Of Rivers State Emergency Rule

Senate Leader Defends National Assembly Approval Of Rivers State Emergency Rule

Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate, defended the National Assembly’s decision to ratify the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that lawmakers deserve praise for their responsible action rather than the criticism they have faced.

Bamidele made this statement on Saturday at the 29th convocation of Ekiti State University in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jubril Barau, among others.

In his remarks, Bamidele stressed that the National Assembly treated the emergency rule as a necessary measure to preserve peace and stability in Rivers State. He stated that, as a responsible parliament, the lawmakers acted in the national interest and avoided parochial considerations….READ MORE….

He argued, “What do we want as a nation? A functioning federation or one that descends into an uncontrollable crisis?” Bamidele pointed out that declaring a state of emergency is an extraordinary action that should be viewed in the context of preserving peace and security, as outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized that the National Assembly was inaugurated to foster unity and growth, ensuring peaceful coexistence for all Nigerians.

Bamidele, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), also noted that the approval of the emergency rule helped alleviate political tensions in the state. However, he lamented that instead of receiving praise for averting potential chaos, lawmakers were subjected to harsh criticism, especially from opposition parties. He described these attacks as emotional and illogical, highlighting that they were driven by narrow political interests rather than concern for national security.

He continued, “We should be commended for this important initiative, not vilified by political actors whose primary concern is their own interests. Despite their unpatriotic opposition, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Nigeria’s peace and stability.”

Bamidele reiterated that the National Assembly’s decision was made purely in the national interest, and those who disagreed had the option to seek legal redress. He added that while the assembly welcomes constructive criticism, it will not be deterred by baseless attacks.

Earlier, during the convocation, the Pro-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Akin Oyebode, acknowledged the contributions of the institution’s alumni to its development, particularly highlighting Bamidele’s role in funding various infrastructure projects, including medical hostels and a mini stadium. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, expressed pride in the university’s recent recognition as Nigeria’s top state university and praised the improvements in the university’s financial support.