The House of Representatives will on Tuesday, 15th April, 2025, inaugurate an Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, in furtherance of its constitutional mandate and commitment to transparent governance.
This follows the resolution of the National Assembly approving the Proclamation, with amendments, by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
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.
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.
Members of the Committee include:
1. Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman
2. Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman
3. Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim – Member
4. Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase – Member
5. Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara – Member
6. Hon. Sada Soli – Member
7. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke – Member
8. Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo – Member
9. Hon. Shehu Saleh Rijau – Member
10. Hon. Wole Oke – Member
11. Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi – Member
12. Hon. Patrick Umoh – Member
13. Hon. James Barka – Member
14. Hon. Alex Egbona – Member
15. Hon. Isa Anka – Member
16. Hon. Amos Daniel – Member
17. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Member
18. Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing – Member
19. Hon. Fatima Talba – Member
Head of Secretariat:
Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi
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.