House of Representatives Sets Up Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversee Rivers State Emergency

Abuja, April 13, 2025 – The House of Representatives has announced the formation of an Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, with its formal inauguration scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025. This development follows the National Assembly’s approval of a modified version of the State of Emergency proclamation for Rivers State, as submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., the House spokesman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, highlighting the legislature’s commitment to ensuring constitutional governance during the emergency period. According to Rotimi, the establishment of the committee stems from amendments to the proclamation, which were adopted after rigorous deliberations aimed at strengthening democratic safeguards and upholding the principle of checks and balances.

In a significant shift, the amended proclamation transfers oversight responsibility for the emergency regulations from the Federal Executive Council to the National Assembly. This change underscores the legislature’s resolve to maintain transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State.

“In line with Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the House has constituted a dedicated Ad-Hoc Committee to monitor implementation and ensure that governance in the State remains within the bounds of constitutionalism and rule of law,” Rotimi stated.

The committee will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. serving as Deputy Chairman. Other members include Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, Rt. Hon. 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, and Rep. Fatima Talba. The committee’s secretariat will be led by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.

Rotimi emphasized that the creation of the committee reflects the House’s dedication to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and preserving democratic integrity during the period of emergency governance in Rivers State. The committee is tasked with ensuring that the extraordinary measures implemented under the state of emergency align with constitutional principles and serve the best interests of the people of Rivers State.

“This development underscores the resolve of the House of Representatives to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and ensure that the extraordinary measures undertaken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by transparency, accountability, and the best interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Rotimi added.

The formation of the Ad-Hoc Committee comes at a critical juncture, as Rivers State navigates the challenges posed by the declared state of emergency. By placing oversight in the hands of the National Assembly, the amended proclamation seeks to foster greater public confidence in the governance process and prevent potential abuses of power.

As the committee prepares to commence its work, all eyes will be on its ability to balance the need for decisive action in Rivers State with the imperative to protect democratic norms and constitutional rights. The inauguration on April 15 will mark a pivotal moment in ensuring that the emergency measures are implemented with fairness, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.