In a decisive move to safeguard governance and constitutional order in Rivers State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee to temporarily oversee legislative functions in the state.
The development follows the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the emergency proclamation issued by President Bola Tinubu to address the unfolding political crisis in the oil-rich state.
The inauguration, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, drew members from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and marked the federal legislature’s most significant intervention in the crisis to date.
“Your task is to oversee Rivers State following Mr. President’s emergency proclamation. You must not be partisan or biased. This is about ensuring peace, good governance, and the prosperity of the people,” Speaker Abbas told the committee.
A statement issued by the House explained the legal basis for the committee’s establishment:
“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 the rule of law.”
The committee is chaired by House Leader, Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. serving as Deputy Chairman. Other appointed members include:
- Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim
- Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase
- Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara
- 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
Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi has been appointed as Head of the Committee’s Secretariat.
Lawmakers emphasized that this initiative reaffirms the House’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and constitutional supremacy, particularly in moments of emergency governance.
“This action underscores the resolve of the House of Representatives to ensure that the extraordinary measures taken during the emergency period are subject to legislative oversight—guided by the rule of law and the best interests of the people of Rivers State,” the statement read.
The creation of this oversight panel signals the National Assembly’s readiness to stabilize state governance mechanisms when local institutions falter. The committee’s performance in the weeks ahead will be closely watched, not just in Rivers, but across the country.
