The House of Representatives, yesterday inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the ongoing State of Emergency, reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to constitutional governance, transparency, and national unity.
Speaking during the inauguration at the National Assembly, the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described the formation of the committee as a crucial step toward maintaining governance and public order in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month State of Emergency on March 18.
“This marks a critical milestone in our constitutional mandate and is a reflection of our dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law,” Abbas said.
The Speaker explained that President Tinubu’s declaration was made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in response to what he described as a “grave crisis threatening public order.”
He emphasized that the move was driven by patriotism and concern for the safety and well-being of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Abbas drew parallels to previous states of emergency in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North-East (2013), stating that the National Assembly had always played a vital role in such interventions by upholding constitutional order.
He also clarified that the caretaker administration led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) is a temporary measure aimed at restoring peace and basic governance functions in Rivers State.
“The Administrator’s role is limited to maintaining law and order until democratic governance is fully restored,” Abbas stated. “He is required to report directly to the National Assembly.”
The committee is chaired by House Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rep. Ali Isa J.C. as Deputy Chairman. Other members include 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, 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.