The House of Representatives has Inaugurated a 21-member Ad-hoc Committee to monitor the implementation of State of Emergency and governance in Rivers State.
The Committee inaugurated by the Speaker, Abbas Tajuddeen on Tuesday was chaired by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvre and was mandated to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the state of 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. 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.
“It states that: “At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State…
“Accordingly, in response to the President’s declaration and in accordance with our constitutional duty, the official Gazette of the State of Emergency was duly transmitted to both the House and Senate. On 20 March 2025, the chambers deliberated extensively and approved the President’s request with significant amendments designed to reinforce democratic safeguards and ensure robust oversight. These resolutions were duly forwarded to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for implementation. The Certified True Copies of this will be made available to this Committee.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd). 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.
“The Administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution”.
Speaker Abbas recalled that President Bola Tinubu, had on 18 March 2025, declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State.
The decision was a result of the political crisis between Governor Siminilayi Fubara, his predecessor, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
It could be recalled that, the House had after endorsing the state of Emergency imposed by the President resolved to Constitute the Adhoc Committee to monitor the state while it lasts.
The Committee has Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere as Chairman; Rep. Ali Isa J.C. as Deputy Chairman.
Members of the Committee include; Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase; Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betera; Rep. Sada Soli; Rep. James Abiodun Faleke; Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo;Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau; Rep. Wole Oke and; Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi – Member
Other members include; 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. Ebikake Marie Enenimiete and Rep. Chris Nkwonta.
