The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the ongoing State of Emergency, emphasizing the National Assembly’s commitment to constitutional governance, transparency, and national unity.
Members of the Committee include: Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman, Rep. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim , Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase , Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Abiodun Faleke, Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke.
Others are :Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Rep. Patrick Umoh, Rep. James Barka,Rep. Alex Egbona, Rep. Isa Anka, Rep. Amos Daniel, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu,Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Rep. Fatima Talba , Rep. Chris Nkwonta, and Rep Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
Addressing members during the inauguration at the National Assembly, Speaker Abbas described the committee’s formation as a critical step in ensuring continuity of governance in Rivers State following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month State of Emergency on March 18.
“The 10th House of Representatives inaugurates an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the present emergency period,” he said. “This moment marks not only a critical milestone in our constitutional mandate but also a display of our dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country.”
President Tinubu’s declaration, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), followed what the Speaker described as a “grave crisis threatening public order.” He stressed that the President’s intervention was not arbitrary but “taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole.”
Speaker Abbas drew parallels with past instances of federal intervention in states, recalling similar emergency declarations in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the northeast states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (2013), saying such actions were always aimed at restoring peace and constitutional order.
“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order,” he said. “Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.”
The Speaker clarified that the current caretaker government in Rivers State, led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), is a temporary arrangement intended to maintain order and perform basic governance functions until democratic institutions are restored.
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored,” Abbas noted, adding that the Administrator must report directly to the National Assembly.
He urged the committee to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, cautioning against partisanship.
“You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation,” he charged. “You must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias.”
The Speaker emphasised that beyond oversight, the committee is expected to play a proactive role in peace-building and reconciliation efforts in Rivers State.
“Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State,” he said. “This historic responsibility calls for conscientious, forthright and astute governance.”
Concluding his address, Speaker Abbas reaffirmed that the National Assembly’s intervention “is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.”
“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria,” he declared. “It is now my solemn duty and distinct honour to officially inaugurate the House Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversight Rivers State.”
The newly formed committee is expected to submit periodic reports to the House, monitor the implementation of federal policies in Rivers State, and ensure that the caretaker administration operates within constitutional boundaries.
In his response, the Chairman of the committee who is also the leader of the House, .Rep Julius Ihonvbere pledged their commitment to the task given to them .
"We will not disappoint Nigerians, we will be committed to this task.
"If I am not wrong, this is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever set up since 2019. So, to make our work a lot easier, with the experience, with the exposure, with the dedication, with the commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc committee that we will not disappoint you, we will not disappoint the National Assembly, and we will not disappoint Nigeria.
"We will begin our work immediately and we will remain transparent, committed, and unbiased in the deliverance of our values.Once again, Mr. Speaker, we thank you for being the true Nigerian, the true patriot that you are. And I'm sure that when the history of Nigeria is written, there will be several extra pages added to your chapter.
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