In light of the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has officially announced the inauguration of an Ad-Hoc Committee focused on oversight in the region, scheduled for Tuesday, April 15.
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., the spokesperson for the House, shared this update in a statement released on Sunday. The formation of the committee comes in response to the National Assembly’s approval of a revised version of the state of emergency declaration put forth by President Bola Tinubu.
Rotimi highlighted that the amendments to the proclamation were adopted following extensive discussions, aimed at enhancing democratic protections and ensuring that the principles of checks and balances are upheld. This initiative underscores the commitment of the National Assembly to oversee the situation in Rivers State while reinforcing democratic governance amidst the declared emergency.
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.