By
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen, on Tuesday inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
The inauguration, held at the National Assembly complex, follows the formal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers due to a prolonged political crisis. The House, while approving the President’s request, amended one of the provisions by resolving to constitute the monitoring committee to ensure effective oversight during the emergency period.
Initially comprising 19 lawmakers, the committee now has 21 members following the addition of two more representatives during the inauguration ceremony. The committee is chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rep. Ali Isa J.C. serving as Deputy Chairman.
Other members 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, 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. Ebikake Marie Enenimiete, and Rep. Chris Nkwonta.
In his address, Speaker Abbas underscored the committee’s constitutional responsibility, stating:
“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.”
He cited Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which authorizes the National Assembly to assume legislative responsibilities for a state whose House of Assembly is unable to function. The speaker emphasized that the House had deliberated extensively on the President’s request on March 20, 2025, and adopted significant amendments to enhance democratic safeguards and oversight.
The state of emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, followed an escalating rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The impasse led to the suspension of both the governor and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly.
In the interim, a caretaker administration led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) has been installed to oversee governance in the state. According to Speaker Abbas, Ibas’ mandate is strictly limited to restoring law, order, and basic government functions until democratic governance is fully reinstated.
“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,” the Speaker added.
The committee will serve as the principal oversight body, ensuring that federal directives are executed effectively and in the public interest throughout the six-month emergency period.
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