Despite the formal inauguration of a 21-member ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives to monitor governance in Rivers State under the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu, the committee is yet to receive a formal briefing or operational directives on how to proceed with its critical assignment.
The six-month emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, came on the heels of a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, which saw an intense standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. With both parties suspended, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Sole Administrator—a decision that received legislative backing from both chambers of the National Assembly.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, officially inaugurated the committee at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday, April 15, assigning House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, as chairman. However, members of the panel have confirmed to ireport247new.com that beyond the ceremonial swearing-in, they have not yet been briefed on their specific mandate.
Patrick Umoh, who represents Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, confirmed the absence of operational guidance. “The committee has just been inaugurated today (Tuesday). We are yet to be fully briefed on the modalities and rules of engagement. We hope the clarifications will be provided in due course,” he said.
Another member of the committee, who preferred anonymity, noted that the maiden meeting was essentially an introductory session. “Nothing substantial took place at the meeting. We only listened to the Speaker’s charge and had the chance to familiarize ourselves with fellow committee members.”
Attempts to get comments from the committee chairman, Prof Ihonvbere, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to messages sent to his phone.
Speaker Abbas used the inauguration to emphasize the temporary and constitutional nature of the emergency arrangement in Rivers State. “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 (retd.),” Abbas stated.
He stressed that the administrator’s role is limited to maintaining law and order, and ensuring basic governance, pending the restoration of democratic structures.
“The National Assembly retains legislative authority under Section 11(4) of the Constitution to intervene in such situations, and the committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate,” the Speaker said.
Abbas referenced past constitutional interventions in states such as Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North-East (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa) in 2013, describing the Rivers assignment as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
“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,” Abbas declared.
He charged the committee to maintain impartiality and carry out its oversight duties without political bias. “The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity,” he added.
In his brief response during the inauguration, Prof Ihonvbere promised that the committee would discharge its duties with diligence and fairness. “This is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019,” he said. “With the experience, exposure, and commitment of our members, I assure you we will not disappoint.”
The committee includes prominent lawmakers such as 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. Notably, James Faleke, representing the South West, was absent during the inauguration.
As Rivers State continues under emergency governance, political observers and citizens alike are eager to see how the National Assembly committee will navigate this constitutional responsibility. With rising tensions, worker strikes, and legal challenges brewing in the state, the need for swift and transparent action becomes more urgent.
The successful execution of this oversight role may not only determine the fate of governance in Rivers but also shape the future framework for federal intervention in states under political duress.