The House of Representatives will inaugurate an Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to further its constitutional mandate and commitment to transparent governance.
In a statement yesterday, House of Representatives spokesman Akin Rotimi, Jr. said this follows the resolution of the National Assembly approving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Proclamation, with amendments, declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Rotimi said 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.
He said 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 reads, “In line with Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, and under 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 Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman; Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman; Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim – Member; Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase – Member; Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betera – Member; Rep. Sada Soli – Member; Rep. James Abiodun Faleke – Member; and Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo – Member.
Others are Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau – Member; Rep. Wole Oke – Member; Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi – Member; Rep. Patrick Umoh – Member; Rep. James Barka – Member; Rep. Alex Egbona – Member; Rep. Isa Anka – Member; Rep. Amos Daniel – Member; Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Member; Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing – Member; and Rep. Fatima Talba – Member
According to the statement, the Head of the Secretariat is 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,” the statement reads.
