20/03/2025
NORTHERN SENATORS REJECT WIKE’S LOBBYING AHEAD OF SENATE DECISION ON RIVERS STATE
ABUJA – Northern senators have reportedly turned down an appeal from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ahead of the Senate's decision on President Bola Tinubu’s proposed state of emergency in Rivers State.
Wike, who was accompanied by Senators Philip Aduda and Sandy Onor, had a closed-door meeting with some northern senators last night, seeking their support. However, sources familiar with the discussions said many of the lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the country and Wike’s approach within the Tinubu administration.
Notably, key northern figures such as Senator Ali Ndume and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan reportedly boycotted the meeting. A senator present at the discussion allegedly advised Wike to focus on his duties in Abuja rather than fueling political tensions in Rivers State. The lawmaker also urged the FCT Minister to counsel President Tinubu on addressing pressing national issues, including the internal challenges within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Further reports indicate that Wike’s team had previously reached out to several other senators in a bid to secure the required two-thirds majority support for the proposed emergency declaration in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Senate, during its plenary session yesterday, postponed deliberations on the Rivers State emergency motion to today.
