Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has defended the National Assembly’s approval of emergency rule in Rivers State, insisting that the move was necessary to maintain stability.

Speaking at Ekiti State University’s 29th convocation on Saturday, Bamidele argued that lawmakers acted beyond political affiliations to uphold national security.

President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers on March 18, citing prolonged political crises and oil facility vandalism. The decision led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state assembly members, with retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as sole administrator.

Despite public debate over the approval process, Bamidele maintained that the legislature acted within its constitutional powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.

“As a responsible and responsive parliament, we are committed to a nation that works for all and ensures peaceful coexistence,” he said.

He also revealed that a National Peace Committee had been set up to mediate the situation and dismissed criticisms from opposition parties as emotional rather than substantive.

Bamidele urged dissatisfied parties to seek legal redress rather than politicizing the matter, reaffirming the National Assembly’s dedication to national stability.