The Speaker of the Home of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 21-member Advert-Hoc Committee to supervise the administration of Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency within the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Talking on the inauguration ceremony held on the Nationwide Meeting complicated, Abbas clarified that the Nationwide Meeting’s intervention was not a political vendetta however a constitutional necessity geared toward safeguarding peace, order, and good governance within the state.
The committee is chaired by the Home Chief, , Prof Julius Ihonvbere, with Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) because 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 additionally embrace Wole Oke, Akara hello Amadi, Patrick Umoh, Isa Anka, Isiaka Ibrahim, Abiodun Faleke, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Blessing Onuh amongst others.
The speaker famous that the declaration of the six-month State of Emergency by the President on March 18, 2025, was primarily based on Part 305 of the 1999 Structure (as amended), following the breakdown of public order and suspension of the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the State Home of Meeting.
In response to him, the President’s motion was taken out of real patriotism and a deep concern for the safety and welfare of each the individuals of Rivers State and Nigeria as a complete.
The Speaker recalled historic precedents, together with related declarations in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North-East (2013), the place he mentioned the Nationwide Meeting assumed legislative features resulting from state-level governance breakdowns.
He noticed that the newly inaugurated committee derives its mandate from Part 11(4) of the Structure, empowering the Nationwide Meeting to legislate for a state whose legislature is unable to perform.
The Speaker famous that the only real administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) is to function transparently and report back to the Nationwide Meeting.
The Speaker assured Nigerians that the Home wouldn’t abdicate its duty to uphold democracy, including that the Committee’s actions can be topic to steady scrutiny to make sure they align with the spirit and letter of the Structure.
He added: “The sensitivity and gravity of this project can’t be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread curiosity throughout the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the Nationwide Meeting can dwell as much as the excessive expectations positioned upon it..
“Subsequently, the duty earlier than this Committee shouldn’t be routine; it’s a mission of nationwide significance that may function a litmus check for our dedication to democratic ideas and constitutional governance. The significance of the project locations a substantial burden on the Chairman and all members, as each motion taken can be topic to nationwide scrutiny.
“The members of this Committee have been chosen with meticulous care by the Home management primarily based on their integrity, expertise, and steadfast dedication to the nationwide curiosity.
“You’ve got been entrusted with the heavy duty of justifying the arrogance reposed in you by the complete nation. I cost you, subsequently, to strategy this project with the best requirements of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence. In fulfilling your mandate, you could conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Structure and keep away from all types of partisanship or bias
“It’s crucial that you just monitor each side of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and make sure that all federal directives and insurance policies are applied as meant. Furthermore, it’s anticipated that you’ll recurrently report your findings to this Home in a clear method, enabling us to repeatedly assess the influence of the emergency measures and to take additional legislative motion if vital.”
Past mere oversight, the Speaker urged the committee members to work actively and assist efforts to revive lasting peace and re-establish a completely functioning democratic system in Rivers State.
“You might be known as upon to interface with federal companies, safety establishments, and any reconciliation initiatives which may be established, fostering belief amongst all stakeholders within the course of,” the speaker mentioned.
