The House of Representatives has announced plans to inaugurate an Ad-Hoc Committee on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to oversee the implementation of the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
This followed the National Assembly’s resolution approving, with key amendments, the presidential proclamation declaring a State of Emergency in the state. The House said the move reflected its constitutional obligation and commitment to uphold democratic governance, even during emergency periods.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesman of the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., one of the most significant amendments made by the National Assembly was the designation of the legislative body, rather than the Federal Executive Council, as the principal oversight authority for all emergency-related regulations.
“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,” the statement read.
The 19-member committee will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. as Deputy Chairman. Other members include prominent lawmakers such as Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Faleke, and Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, among others. The committee’s secretariat will be headed by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.
The House emphasized that this development underscored its resolve to maintain transparency and accountability during the emergency period, while safeguarding the interests of the people of Rivers State.
The emergency oversight committee is expected to engage relevant stakeholders, monitor regulatory compliance, and provide periodic reports to the National Assembly.
