Reps Inaugurates Committee To Oversee Rivers Emergency

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday officially inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee to supervise the administration of Rivers State, following the declaration of a six-month state of emergency.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the move, according to the Speaker, reflects the National Assembly’s commitment to constitutional order, transparency in governance, and the unity of Nigeria. The committee will oversee the activities of the interim administration in the state, led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), to ensure law and order are maintained until democratic governance is restored.

The committee is chaired by House Leader, Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rep. Ali Isa J.C. as Deputy Chairman.

Full list of committee members:

Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman
Rep. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman
Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim
Rep. 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
Rep. Chris Nkwonta
Rep. Ebibake Marie Enenimiete

At the National Assembly inauguration, Speaker Abbas stressed that the committee’s formation followed President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), citing a “serious crisis endangering public order” in Rivers.

“This is a critical milestone in our constitutional duties,” Abbas said. “We must act with a sense of patriotism to safeguard lives and property in Rivers State and across Nigeria.”

He compared the current emergency to past interventions in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North-East (2013), noting the legislature’s consistent role in safeguarding constitutional rule during crises.

The Speaker clarified that the interim administrator’s powers are strictly limited and he must report directly to the National Assembly. He urged the committee to carry out its duties with professionalism, impartiality, and a strong focus on peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Chairman Ihonvbere expressed confidence in the committee’s capacity, describing it as possibly “the strongest ad-hoc committee set up since 2019.”

Speaker Abbas

“With the experience and dedication within this team, we will deliver on this critical assignment. We will act fast, stay transparent, and uphold the Constitution,” Ihonvbere assured.

The committee is expected to submit periodic reports to the House, monitor the enforcement of federal directives in Rivers State, and ensure that the caretaker government operates strictly within constitutional boundaries.