Earlier this week, Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, officially launched a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the governance of Rivers State. This initiative follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the region.
During the inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly complex, Abbas emphasized that the National Assembly’s involvement is not driven by political motives but is a constitutional obligation aimed at ensuring peace, order, and effective governance in the state.
The committee will be led by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) serving as the Deputy Chairman. Other members include Idris Wase (North Central), Aliyu Muktar (North East), Sada Soli (North West), Iduma Igariwey (South East), and Shehu Rijau, along with Wole Oke, Akara hi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, Isa Anka, Isiaka Ibrahim, Abiodun Faleke, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, and Blessing Onuh, among others.
The Speaker pointed out that the President’s declaration of a six-month State of Emergency on March 18, 2025, was made in accordance with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), following a collapse of public order and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
He asserted that the President’s decision stemmed from a sincere sense of patriotism and a profound concern for the security and welfare of the citizens of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The Speaker referenced historical instances, such as similar declarations in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North-East (2013), where the National Assembly took on legislative responsibilities due to failures in state governance.
He noted that the newly formed committee is empowered by Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to legislate for a state when its legislature is incapacitated. Furthermore, he stated that the sole administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), is expected to operate with transparency and provide regular reports to the National Assembly.
The Speaker reassured Nigerians that the House would remain committed to its duty of safeguarding democracy, emphasizing that the actions of the Committee would undergo ongoing evaluation to ensure compliance with both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution.
He stated, “The significance and seriousness of this task cannot be overstated. The state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked considerable interest nationwide, and all Nigerians are watching closely to see if the National Assembly can meet the high expectations placed upon it.
“Consequently, the responsibility assigned to this Committee is far from ordinary; it represents a matter of national importance that will serve as a benchmark for our dedication to democratic values and constitutional governance. The weight of this assignment imposes a significant responsibility on the Chairman and all members, as every decision made will be subject to national examination.
“The members of this Committee have been carefully chosen by the House leadership based on their integrity, experience, and unwavering commitment to the national interest.
“You have been given the substantial responsibility of validating the trust placed in you by the entire nation. I urge you to undertake this assignment with the utmost professionalism, impartiality, and diligence. In executing your mandate, it is essential that you conduct your oversight strictly in accordance with the Constitution and refrain from any form of partisanship or bias.
“It is crucial that you oversee every aspect of the caretaker administration’s actions, examine public spending, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are executed as intended. Furthermore, you are expected to provide regular updates on your findings to this House in a transparent manner, allowing us to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency measures and to take additional legislative action if required.”
The Speaker emphasized the importance of proactive engagement, urging committee members to actively participate in initiatives aimed at achieving enduring peace and reinstating a fully operational democratic framework in Rivers State.
“You are encouraged to collaborate with federal agencies, security organizations, and any reconciliation efforts that may arise, thereby building trust among all parties involved in the process,” the Speaker stated.
