The Senate has explained why it approved the emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Rivers State, behind closed doors in conformity with the rules of the Upper Chamber.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, gave the explanation while briefing reporters on the midterm activities of the 10th Senate on Tuesday.
Critics had accused the Red Chamber of secretly voting in support of the Rivers emergency rule instead of giving such approval at open plenary after open voting..
Adaramodu said: “Our Standing Orders say such matters must be debated in closed-door sessions — Rule 131, 132, and 134. Once a decision is reached in a closed session, it cannot be reopened in plenary.
“Everyone is now a lawmaker, a lawyer, a coach — questioning what they don’t know. But the rules are clear..
“During the closed session, we debated for three to four hours. Once an agreement is reached, it’s final.
“The presiding officer then comes back to plenary and puts the question: “Do we affirm what was agreed in the closed session?” Everyone said “Yes.” No one said “No.” That’s where it ends.”
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