House Of Reps Sets Up 19-Member Ad-Hoc Committee For Rivers State Oversight
The spokesman for the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., who made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, said the establishment of the committee followed the National Assembly’s approval of a modified version of the State of Emergency proclamation submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
Amidst the declared state of emergency in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has announced the formal inauguration of an Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, scheduled for Tuesday, April 15.
The spokesman for the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., who made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, said the establishment of the committee followed the National Assembly’s approval of a modified version of the State of Emergency proclamation submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
Rotimi stated that amendments to the proclamation were adopted after intense deliberations aimed at bolstering democratic safeguards and ensuring adherence to the doctrine of checks and balances.
Significantly, he said the amended proclamation places oversight responsibility for the emergency regulations with the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council.
“In line with Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 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,” Rotimi stated.
According to him, the committee will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. will serve as Deputy Chairman, while other members include Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase; Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betera; Rep. Sada Soli; Rep. James Abiodun Faleke; Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo; Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, and Rep. Wole Oke.
Others are Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi; Rep. Patrick Umoh; Rep. James Barka; Rep. Alex Egbona; Rep. Isa Anka; Rep. Amos Daniel; Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, and Rep. Fatima Talba.
The statement further noted that the committee’s secretariat will be headed by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.
Rotimi emphasised the legislature’s commitment to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and maintaining democratic integrity during the period of emergency governance.
“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,” Rotimi stated.
