By The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has officially launched a 21-member ad-hoc committee with the significant responsibility of overseeing the recently declared emergency rule in Rivers State. This move follows President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator for the state, a decision made after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
During the approval of the state of emergency declaration, the House of Representatives had resolved that the National Assembly would assume the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a decision rooted in Section 11(4) of the Nigerian Constitution. The newly inaugurated committee, chaired by House Majority Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, with Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa J.C. serving as Deputy Chairman, comprises a diverse group of experienced lawmakers.
Other prominent members of the committee include Deputy Majority Whip Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, former Deputy Speaker Idris Ahmed Wase, Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara, Hon. Sada Soli, and Hons James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta, and Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
Inaugurating the committee, Speaker Abbas underscored the House’s unwavering commitment to transparent governance, citing the powers granted by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and Section 11(4) of the Constitution. He emphasized that the committee’s mandate is clear and non-partisan: to meticulously monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies within Rivers State, ensure the caretaker administration operates within the bounds of the law, and safeguard the public interest while working towards the swift restoration of full democratic governance in the state.
Speaker Abbas acknowledged the intense national interest surrounding the state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that all eyes are on the lawmakers to see if the National Assembly can meet the high expectations placed upon it. He described the committee’s task as a mission of national importance, a crucial test of the House’s dedication to democratic principles and constitutional governance, rather than a routine assignment.
The Speaker impressed upon the Chairman and all members the considerable weight of this responsibility, noting that their every action will be subject to national scrutiny. He urged them to approach their oversight duties with the utmost professionalism, impartiality, and diligence, strictly adhering to the Constitution and avoiding any semblance of partisanship or bias. “It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended,” he stated.
Furthermore, Speaker Abbas stressed the expectation for regular, transparent reporting of their findings to the House. This will allow for continuous assessment of the emergency measures’ impact and enable further legislative action if deemed necessary. He concluded by emphasizing that the National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not driven by political motives but is a constitutional necessity, embodying the legislature’s collective duty to protect peace, security, and the rule of law.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Rep. Ihonvbere pledged the panel’s unwavering commitment to the task at hand. He assured the Speaker that the committee would commence its work immediately, operating with transparency, diligence, and complete impartiality. “If I am not wrong, this is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019. With the experience, exposure, and dedication of this team, I assure you on behalf of my colleagues that we will not disappoint the Speaker, the National Assembly, or the Nigerian people,” he affirmed.
