Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, on Tuesday formally inaugurated a 21-member special committee tasked with overseeing the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
The inauguration took place at the National Assembly, on Tuesday, April 15, following the House’s approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergency proclamation made on 18 March 2025.
Originally composed of 19 lawmakers, the committee’s membership was expanded to 21 during the ceremony. House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere chairs the committee, with Rep. Ali Isa J.C. appointed as deputy chairman.
Appointed members include Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase, Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betera, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Abiodun Faleke, Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke, and Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi.
Additional representatives serving on the committee are Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Fatima Talba, Ebikake Marie Enenimiete, and Chris Nkwonta.
While addressing the committee, Tajuddeen highlighted the significance of their duty and the House’s constitutional role in ensuring accountability during such a critical period.
“This moment marks not only a critical milestone in our constitutional mandate but also a display of our dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country,” he said.
He added, “Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.”
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According to him, the official Gazette of the emergency proclamation was sent to both legislative chambers.
He stated that the House and Senate, during a joint session on 20 March, reviewed and endorsed the President’s request with key revisions to promote effective oversight.
“These resolutions were duly forwarded to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for implementation. The Certified True Copies of this will be made available to this Committee,” Tajuddeen said.
He further emphasised that the current leadership in Rivers is an interim measure. With Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the entire State Assembly suspended, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) was appointed to lead a caretaker government.
“It is paramount to note 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 Speaker stated.
He stressed that the administrator must operate transparently and maintain direct accountability to the National Assembly on all matters concerning governance and stability in the state.
The emergency rule was instituted by President Tinubu in response to a lingering political conflict between Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.