House of Reps to Inaugurate Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight
By Mercy Adi
The House of Representatives is set to inaugurate an Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to monitor the implementation of the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State.
This move is in line with the National Assembly’s constitutional mandate and commitment to transparent governance .
The panel, headed by the House Leader Prof Julius Ihonbvere, Includes, Minority Whip Ali Isa J.C. who will serve as Deputy Chairman; Deputy Chief Whip Isiaka Ayokunle Ibrahim; former Deputy Speaker Idris Ahmed Wase; Northeast Caucus Leader Aliyu Muktar Betera and Northwest Caucus Leader Sada Soli.
The panel also includes, the Southwest Caucus Leader James Abiodun Faleke; Southeast Caucus Leader Igariwey Iduma Enwo; Shehu Saleh Rijau; Wole Oke; Akarachi Etinosa Amadi; Patrick Umoh; James Barka; Alex Egbona; Isa Anka; Amos Daniel; Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Onuh Onyeche Blessing and Fatima Talba.
According to a statement by the House spokesman Hon. Akin Rotimi, the committee is a sequel to the resolution of the National Assembly approving the proclamation, with amendments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Rotimi said “The Proclamation presented to the National Assembly by Mr. President was subjected to rigorous legislative consideration and duly amended to strengthen democratic safeguards and uphold the principles of checks and balances.
“One of the most consequential amendments was the designation of the National Assembly – rather than the Federal Executive Council – as the oversight authority for all regulations issued under the emergency arrangement.
“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 also said the decision to constitute the committee underscores the resolve of the House to uphold the supremacy of the constitution and ensure that extraordinary measures taken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by transparency, accountability, and the best interest of the good people of Rivers state.
The committee will monitor the implementation of the State of Emergency and ensure that governance in Rivers State remains within the bounds of constitutionalism and rule of law. The committee’s secretariat will be headed by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.
