The 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives, set up to oversee governance in Rivers State under the ongoing emergency rule, is still awaiting a formal briefing on its mandate.
President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. Both parties were suspended, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as Sole Administrator—a move approved by both chambers of the National Assembly.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas inaugurated the committee on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex, appointing House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere as chairman. However, committee members say they are yet to receive clear operational guidelines.
Patrick Umoh, who represents Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, stated that “The committee has just been inaugurated today (Tuesday). We are yet to be fully briefed on the modalities and rules of engagement. We hope the clarifications will be provided in due course.”
Another member, speaking anonymously, added, “Nothing took place at the meeting. We listened to the charge by the Speaker during the inauguration and we are prepared to hit the ground running. The meeting was for members to familiarise with one another.”
Efforts to reach committee chairman Prof. Ihonvbere for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to messages sent to his phone.
During the inauguration, Speaker Abbas reminded the newly appointed Sole Administrator that his role is constitutionally limited and temporary. “With the suspension of the state governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.),” Abbas stated.
He emphasized that Ibas’s responsibility is strictly to maintain law and order and ensure basic governance until democratic rule is restored. Citing past emergency rule precedents in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa (2013), Abbas highlighted the National Assembly’s powers under Section 11(4) of the Constitution.
“This committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate—to monitor federal directives in Rivers State, ensure the caretaker government operates within the law, and safeguard public interest while paving the way for the return of democratic governance,” he said.
Abbas urged the committee to remain impartial. “This intervention is not a political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. You must carry out your oversight in line with the Constitution and steer clear of partisanship.”
In response, Prof. Ihonvbere assured the committee’s readiness: “This is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever set up since 2019. With the experience, exposure, and dedication of our members, we will not disappoint the National Assembly or Nigerians.”
The committee includes Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (Chairman), Ali Isah (Deputy Chairman), Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, Iduma Igariwey, Shehu Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, Isa Anka, Chris Nkwonta, among others. James Faleke, representing the South West, was absent at the inauguration.
