The Senate on Wednesday failed to deliberate and resolve whether to approve the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State or otherwise.

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Though the matter was given priority as the first order of the day, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, shifted it to become the fourth order. However, as the plenary drew closer to the end, all other matters listed for the day were shifted to the next legislative day, a recommendation seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro.

Though expectations were high that the National Assembly would be definitive on the matter, no reason was adduced for the delay and shift of the order.

When Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, the majority of lawmakers supported the delay.

According to the Senate’s order paper, the crisis in Rivers has paralyzed governance, preventing residents from fully benefiting from democracy. The motion states:

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“The Senate notes that the state has been at a standstill since the crises began, with the good people of Rivers unable to enjoy the dividends of democracy. It observes that the magnitude of the crisis has overwhelmed the state government, as involved parties have failed to allow good sense to prevail and restore peace. The Federal Government’s intervention aims to restore peace, security, and good governance.”

President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday in response to the prolonged political crisis in the state.

However, with the Senate yet to approve the measure, the situation remains unresolved.

The matter is likely to be revisited at Thursday’s plenary session.