Reps inaugurate 21-member committee for oversight on Rivers emergency rule

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 21-member Ad-hoc Committee to oversee the situation in Rivers State, particularly focusing on the role of the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Chaired by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Abbas emphasized that the task assigned to the committee is not routine, instead, it is of national significance and will serve as a crucial test of our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.

Hon. Abbas warned that the role of the Sole Administrator “is strictly circumscribed,” and with the charge to maintain “law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.”

While noting that the Sole Administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, the Speaker maintained that he (Ibas) must comply with the extant Constitutional provisions by reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of Rivers State.

He observed that the inauguration of the Ad-hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the present emergency period “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.

“On 18 March 2025, the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State. This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole.

“In his address, the President emphasised that his intervention was driven by the imperative to restore peace and to ensure that governance continues unhindered. His declaration was based on the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and followed careful deliberation in the face of grave crises threatening public order.

“The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken lightly. They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility and a recognition that when democratic institutions falter, decisive action is necessary to protect the interests of the nation. This same sense of duty underpins our proceedings today.

“Colleagues, it is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has 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.

“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. It states that:

“At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State.

“Accordingly, in response to the President’s declaration and in accordance with our constitutional duty, the official Gazette of the State of Emergency was duly transmitted to both the House and Senate. On 20th March 2025, the chambers deliberated extensively and approved the President’s request with significant amendments designed to reinforce democratic safeguards and ensure robust 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.

“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 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.

“Today’s inauguration of the 21-member Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State reaffirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance. Empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of our Constitution, this Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.

“The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.

“Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny.

“The members of this Committee have been selected with meticulous care by the House leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest. You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation.

“I charge you, therefore, to approach this assignment with the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence. In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias.

“It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended. Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.

“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State. You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.

“Let me reiterate that the sensitive nature of this assignment, combined with the national interest in its successful execution, means that Nigerians will scrutinise every step and action you take. This historic responsibility calls for conscientious, forthright and astute governance that will set a benchmark for oversight functions by the National Assembly in the future.

“Honourable colleagues, the National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law. We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.”

In his response, Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere pledged that members of the Ad-hoc Committee will not disappoint Nigeria and remain transparent while carrying out the National assignment.

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