Nigeria: Rivers State Emergency Rule: Reps Committee awaits briefing on assignment
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives, established to oversee governance in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule, is yet to receive clear directives on its mandate. The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, with House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere appointed as Chairman.
President Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. The President suspended both parties and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator, a move ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly.
According to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the committee’s purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state. Despite the formal inauguration, committee members say they are yet to receive clear directives on how to carry out their mandate.
“We are yet to be fully briefed on the modalities and rules of engagement. We hope the clarifications will be provided in due course,” said Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaker Abbas reminded the appointed Sole Administrator that the Constitution requires him to report to the National Assembly. Abbas emphasized the committee’s non-partisan mandate, stating, “The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.”
Members of the committee include Prof Julius Ihonvbere (Chairman), Ali Isah (Deputy Chairman), Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, Iduma Igariwey, Shehu Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, Isa Anka, and Chris Nkwonta, among others. The committee is expected to hit the ground running, with Prof Ihonvbere assuring that they will not disappoint the National Assembly and Nigeria
The committee’s success will depend on its ability to work impartially and effectively, ensuring the smooth governance of Rivers State during this emergency period.
