The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the National Assembly complex, Abbas clarified that the National Assembly’s intervention was not a political vendetta but a constitutional necessity aimed at safeguarding peace, order, and good governance in the state.
The committee is chaired by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, with Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) as the Deputy Chairman.
Others are Idris Wase (North Central), Aliyu Muktar (North East), Sada Soli (North West), Iduma Igariwey (South East), and Shehu Rijau.
Members also include Wole Oke, Akara hi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, Isa Anka, Isiaka Ibrahim, Abiodun Faleke, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Blessing Onuh, among others.
The speaker noted that the declaration of the six-month State of Emergency by the President on March 18, 2025, was based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), following the breakdown of public order and suspension of the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly.
According to him, the President’s action was taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Speaker recalled historical precedents, including similar declarations in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North East (2013), where he said the National Assembly assumed legislative functions due to state-level governance breakdowns.
He observed that the newly inaugurated committee derives its mandate from Section 11(4) of the Constitution, empowering the National Assembly to legislate for a state whose legislature is unable to function.
The Speaker noted that the sole administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) is to operate transparently and report to the National Assembly.
The Speaker assured Nigerians that the House would not abdicate its responsibility to uphold democracy, adding that the Committee’s actions would be subject to continuous scrutiny to ensure they align with the spirit and letter of the Constitution.
He added, “The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.
“Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny.
“The members of this Committee have been selected with meticulous care by the House leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest.
“You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation. I charge you, therefore, to approach this assignment with the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence. In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms 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. Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.”
Beyond mere oversight, the Speaker urged the committee members to work actively and support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.
“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process,” the speaker said.
