Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has inaugurated a 21 member Adhoc Committee, to oversight administration in Rivers State under the present emergency period.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Abass disclosed that the action is grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers on the House, authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.
He stressed that the inauguration of the 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee reaffirms the House’ constitutional commitment to transparent governance.
He reminded the Committee that the task before it is not routine describing it as a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for the lower chambers’ commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.
The Speaker further noting the importance of the assignment, said it places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action they take will be subject to national scrutiny.
He emphasized that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary.
“With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.). His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.
The Administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution.”
Abbas recalled past instances where the nation faced similar challenges.
“We witnessed state emergencies in Plateau State in 2004 and Ekiti State in 2006. Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups. In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order. When state institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance.
Recall that on 18 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State and on 20th March 2025, the House deliberated extensively and approved the President’s request with significant amendments designed to reinforce democratic safeguards and ensure robust oversight.
The Rivers Oversight Adhoc Committee has House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere as Chairman and Ali Isah as Deputy.
