In response to the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has formed a 19-member special ad hoc committee to supervise its implementation. This move aligns with the House’s resolution following the approval, with amendments, of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request during a plenary session.
The newly constituted committee will be led by House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere and is scheduled to be inaugurated today, Tuesday, April 15th, by the Speaker of the House, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen.
The committee’s membership comprises a diverse group of representatives, including key figures such as Minority Whip Honourable Ali Isa J.C. (Deputy Chairman), Deputy Chief Whip Honourable Isiaka Ayokunle Ibrahim, former Deputy Speaker Honourable Idris Ahmed Wase, and the leaders of various regional caucuses: Honourable Aliyu Muktar Betera (North-East), Honourable Sada Soli (North-West), Honourable James Abiodun Faleke (South-West), and Honourable Igariwey Iduma Enwo (South-East). Other members include Honourable Shehu Saleh Rijau, Honourable Wole Oke, Honourable Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Honourable Patrick Umoh, Honourable James Barka, Honourable Alex Egbona, Honourable Isa Anka, Honourable Amos Daniel, Honourable Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Honourable Onuh Onyeche Blessing, and Honourable Fatima Talba.
The secretariat of this crucial committee will be headed by Professor Jake Dan-Azumi, the Chief of Staff to the Speaker.
According to House Spokesman Honourable Akintunde Rotimi, the establishment of this committee directly follows the National Assembly’s approval of the President’s emergency proclamation, which was subjected to significant legislative amendments. He emphasized that these amendments were crucial in bolstering democratic safeguards and ensuring the principles of checks and balances are maintained.
Rotimi highlighted a key amendment that designates the National Assembly, rather than the Federal Executive Council, as the primary oversight authority for all regulations enacted under the state of emergency.
He further explained that the constitution of this dedicated ad hoc committee is mandated by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Constitution. Its core function will be to meticulously monitor the implementation of the emergency measures, ensuring that governance within Rivers State remains firmly within the bounds of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Rotimi concluded by stating that the House’s decision underscores its unwavering commitment to upholding the supremacy of the constitution and guaranteeing that any extraordinary measures taken during this period are subject to rigorous legislative oversight, guided by transparency, accountability, and the paramount interest of the people of Rivers State.
