*** 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

The Nigerian Senate resumed plenary on May 6, 2025, after a month-long break to enable the Senators to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Easter, respectively.

The Senate Chamber looked a little different as it had gone fully automated. Each senator’s seat now comes equipped with a mini monitor and a new microphone, a tech upgrade that could do more than just modernise the space.

President of the Senate in his welcome remarks enjoined Senators to work with renewed vigour to address issues plauging the country.

“Distinguished Senators, much has transpired in our dear country while we were away. Our economy continues to stretch the patience and resilience of our people. The rising cost of living, the instability in the energy sector, and the persisting insecurity in parts of the nation—all these demand not just attention but legislative action.

“Legislative action to support the great work the Executive Arm led by President Bola Tinubu is doing to fix the myriad of challenges which besiege our nation.

“In the South-East and North-West, communities still battle criminality and terrorism. In the North-Central, farmers and herders still seek protection and justice. And in the South-South, the questions of environmental equity and resource fairness remain unresolved.

“These are not just news headlines—they are the bleeding wounds of the republic. Our people look to us, not for rhetoric, but for rescue. But I believe that there is no river we cannot cross if we put our trust in God and faith in the people He has ordained to lead us in both the Executive and Legislative Arms of our government.”

The Senate in plenary set up a 19-member ad-hoc Committee to oversee the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Sole Administrator appointed to manage the State, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the area.

The Committee, chaired by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) with Senate Minority Whip, Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central) as Vice Chairman, is tasked with monitoring the implementation of Federal directives, ensuring legal compliance by the caretaker administration, and safeguarding public interest, while working toward the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.

The Committee will also focus on reconciliation efforts among stakeholders in Rivers and other affected regions, to address the root causes of unrest and promoting national unity.