The House of Representatives will on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, inaugurate an ad hoc committee on Rivers State oversight following the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The 19-member committee will have Rep. Julius Ihonvbere as chairman, according to a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi, spokesman of the House of Representatives
“In line with Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the constitution, the House has constituted a dedicated ad hoc committee to monitor implementation and ensure that governance in the state remains within the bounds of constitutionalism and rule of law.
“This development underscores the resolve of the House of Representatives to uphold the supremacy of the constitution and ensure that the extraordinary measures undertaken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by transparency, accountability, and the best interest of the good people of Rivers State,” the statement explained.
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The statement said the inauguration of the committee follows the resolution of the National Assembly approving the proclamation of a state of emergency with amendments, as proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
“The proclamation presented to the National Assembly by Mr. President was subjected to rigorous legislative consideration and duly amended to strengthen democratic safeguards and uphold the principles of checks and balances.
“One of the most consequential amendments was the designation of the National Assembly – rather than the Federal Executive Council – as the oversight authority for all regulations issued under the emergency arrangement,” the statement added.
Other members of the committee are Rep. Ali Isa, deputy chairman, Rep. Isiaka Ibrahim, Rep. Idris Wase, Rep. Aliyu Betara, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Faleke, and Rep. Igariwey Enwo.
The rest include Rep. Shehu Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke, Rep. Akarachi Amadi, Rep. Patrick Umoh, Rep. James Barka, Rep. Alex Egbona, Rep. Isa Anka, Rep. Amos Daniel, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Rep. Onuh Blessing, and Rep. Fatima Talba.
