House of Reps Launches Powerful Oversight Committee Amid State of Emergency in Rivers
The House of Representatives has inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee to oversee the ongoing state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The committee, officially launched on Tuesday by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is tasked with ensuring transparency, legality, and the restoration of democratic governance in the crisis-hit state.
“This initiative demonstrates our unwavering commitment to transparent governance and the rule of law,” Abbas declared during the inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability. As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire state assembly were suspended for six months.
The President appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator of the state. Ibas swiftly moved to suspend all political appointees previously installed by the governor, signaling a sweeping change in the state’s political landscape.
Abbas voiced full support for the President’s intervention, describing it as a “decisive and patriotic act” rooted in the need to protect national unity and security. He drew historical parallels, referencing similar emergency actions under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
“This isn’t a decision made in haste,” Abbas said. “It reflects a profound sense of duty, recognizing that when democratic institutions falter, the nation must act to safeguard its people.”
The Speaker cited Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to legislate for any state whose legislature is unable to function—a provision that now justifies their oversight role in Rivers.
Abbas emphasized that Ibas’ authority is temporary and closely monitored.
“The administrator’s role is strictly circumscribed—he is there to maintain law and order and ensure basic governance, nothing more,” Abbas explained. “He is accountable to the National Assembly and must report directly to us on all developments.”
Monitoring the implementation of federal directives in Rivers, Ensuring adherence to the law by the interim administration, Safeguarding public interest, Supporting the return to full democratic governance
“This committee was carefully composed based on integrity, experience, and national commitment,” Abbas noted. “Your job is not just oversight—it’s nation-building.”
He urged members to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence, warning against political bias.
“You must scrutinize public expenditures, monitor every aspect of the administrator’s conduct, and ensure that federal policies are faithfully implemented,” he added.
As tensions in Rivers remain high, the eyes of the nation are now on this powerful committee. Their findings and actions could shape not only the future of governance in Rivers State but also set a precedent for how Nigeria handles political crises moving forward.
