The House of Representatives has established a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee to oversee Rivers State during the emergency, chaired by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and Deputy Chairman Hon. Ali Isa J.C., to ensure constitutional adherence and transparency.

The committee, which was inaugurated on Tuesday in a meeting presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, was saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the activities of the sole administrator and ensuring that it operates within the federal laws and Nigerian constitution.

House Leader, Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, will chair the committee, while Honourable Ali Isa J.C. will serve as the Deputy Chairman. Other members include the honourable Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Ahmed Wase, Aliyu Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta, and Ebibake Marie Enenimiete. 

The development is against the backdrop of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18th by President Bola Tinubu and the suspension of the elected governor of the state, Siminalyi Fubara, and his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, as well as the House of Assembly, initially for six months. The President nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. 

The National Assembly later ratified the president’s declaration, but only after ensuring that the constitution and the rule of law would not be abandoned during the state of emergency. 

While the National Assembly was still stalling on setting up a legislative committee for the state, the sole administrator had begun his administration, raising concerns among the political stakeholders who were bothered by the state’s governing system, which was under the control of a retired military officer. 

Addressing the constituted committee, the Speaker of the House of Representatives challenged them to respond to the call borne out by the president’s actions to maintain peace in the state; therefore, democratic governance must be recognised and not taken lightly. 

Justifying the action of the president to declare a state of emergency in the state, the speaker stated that the declaration of the emergency rule was based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in response to the security threats in the state. He also urged the committee to follow such an example by respecting the law in their actions.

“Our actions today are grounded in Section 11, Subsection 4, of the 1999 Constitution, which confides in 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 take source laws for the peace, order, and good governance 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 a time as the house of assembly is able to resume its functions. And as such, any 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,” he said.

Speaking about the Sole administrator, Honourable Abass explained that “his role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are made only until full democratic governance is restored. The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency. accountability.

“Reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order, and good governance of the state as prescribed by the Constitution. Today’s integration of the 21-member adult committee of River State affirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance.

The speaker also charged the committee to “monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.

We are calling you to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may foster trust among all stakeholders in the process. Let me at this juncture reiterate the essential nature of this assignment combined with the national interest in its successful execution. This implies that every step and action you take will be scrutinised by Nigerians, he said.