In a bold legislative move aimed at resolving the ongoing constitutional crisis in Rivers State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee to perform the functions of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly. The inauguration, which took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, marks a pivotal intervention by the federal legislature in the governance of the oil-rich South-South state.
The newly constituted committee, drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, is tasked with providing legislative oversight and continuity for Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation triggered by the prolonged political turmoil in the state assembly.
In his address to the committee members, Speaker Abbas emphasized the non-partisan nature of their assignment. He urged the committee to rise above political affiliations and act solely in the interest of good governance, peace, and development in Rivers State.
“Your task is to oversee Rivers State following Mr President’s emergency proclamation. You must not be partisan or biased. This is not an avenue for political point scoring, but a call to serve the Nigerian people with diligence and neutrality,” Abbas stated.
Leading the ad-hoc committee is the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who also serves as the Chairman, with Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) appointed as Deputy Chairman. Other notable members include Idris Wase (North Central), Aliyu Muktar (North East), Sada Soli (North West), Iduma Igariwey (South East), and Shehu Rijau.
Also part of the panel are seasoned lawmakers such as Wole Oke, Akarihi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, and Isa Anka. The representative from the South West, James Faleke, was however unavoidably absent at the inauguration ceremony.
The decision to suspend the Rivers State Assembly followed months of political instability, internal conflict among lawmakers, and a breakdown in legislative functions. The crisis, which escalated into a full-blown impasse, had effectively paralyzed governance in the state, prompting federal attention.
President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation, which paved the way for federal legislative intervention, was widely interpreted as a necessary step to safeguard constitutional order and ensure that citizens of Rivers State are not left in a governance vacuum.
While critics have questioned the legality and political motives behind the move, others argue that it was essential to maintain stability in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states, especially as Rivers hosts critical oil infrastructure and generates significant national revenue.
Speaking on the committee’s mandate, Chairman Ihonvbere reiterated that the panel will focus on legislative duties including budget review, public service oversight, and support for executive functions pending the resolution of the state assembly’s internal rift.
“We are not here to replace the will of the people but to temporarily ensure that constitutional processes are maintained in Rivers State. We will liaise with all stakeholders, including civil society, to ensure transparency and fairness in all legislative actions,” he said.
The ad-hoc committee is expected to operate until the embattled Rivers State Assembly can resume normal functions or until further directives are issued by the presidency or National Assembly leadership.
The federal intervention has elicited mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. While some stakeholders applaud the House for taking swift action to prevent a governance breakdown, others have warned that such a move could set a precedent for federal overreach in state affairs.
Legal experts have also weighed in, with constitutional lawyer Dr. Mark Ugwu suggesting that the National Assembly must tread carefully to avoid infringing on the autonomy of state legislatures.
“This intervention must be strictly temporary, and the House should work towards reconciling the warring factions in the Rivers Assembly rather than permanently assuming its role,” Ugwu said.
With the committee now in place, attention shifts to how the House will execute its legislative mandate in Rivers. Observers believe that the effectiveness and neutrality of the 21-man committee will either deescalate or further complicate the political crisis.
As the National Assembly steps into unfamiliar terrain, many are watching to see if this extraordinary legislative move will restore stability or deepen the constitutional questions it raises.
For now, the people of Rivers State await not just federal oversight but concrete outcomes that will return governance to their doorsteps.