The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the ongoing State of Emergency.
The inauguration reaffirms the National Assembly’s commitment to constitutional governance, transparency, and national unity.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated the committee which has the Leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, as chairman.
Mr. Abbas said that the members of the 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”, he said.
He 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.
He noted 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.
“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively 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.
Let me reiterate that the sensitive nature of this assignment, combined with the national interest in its successful execution, means that Nigerians will scrutinise every step and action you take.
This historic responsibility calls for conscientious, forthright and astute governance that will set a benchmark for oversight functions by the National Assembly in the future”. Mr. Abbas said.
The Speaker stated 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. He is required to report directly to the National Assembly.” He said.
He urged members of the committee to conduct their oversight responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.
“Honourable colleagues, the National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.
It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law. We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination”, he said.
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 urged members of the committee to conduct their oversight responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.
“You must avoid partisanship and ensure that your actions strictly align with the Constitution. Beyond oversight, you are also expected to support reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts in Rivers State,” he said.
Mr. Abbas also drew parallels to previous states of emergency in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North-East (2013).
The Chairman of the committee Prof. Julius Ihonvbere pledged the team’s full commitment to the task.
“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, Professor Ihonvbere said.
He promised that the committee would commence work immediately and operate with transparency, diligence, and an unbiased approach.
The committee is expected to submit periodic reports to the House, monitor the implementation of federal policies in Rivers State, and ensure the caretaker government operates strictly within constitutional limits.
The committee is chaired by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Mr. Ali Isa J.C. as Deputy Chairman. Other members include Mr. Isiaka Ibrahim, Mr. Idris Ahmed Wase, Mr. Aliyu Muktar Betara, Mr. Sada Soli, Mr. James Abiodun Faleke, Mr. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Mr. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Mr. Wole Oke, Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Mr. Patrick Umoh, Mr. James Barka, Mr. Alex Egbona, Mr. Isa Anka, Rep. Amos Daniel, Mr. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Mr. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Mr. Fatima Talba, Mr. Chris Nkwonta, and Mr. Ebibake Marie Enenimiete
