Reps to inaugurate oversight panel on Rivers emergency rule, name Ihonvbere as chairman

The house of representatives says it will inaugurate a 19-member ad hoc committee to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers state.

In a statement on Sunday, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the house, said the committee would be unveiled on April 15.

“This follows the resolution of the National Assembly approving the Proclamation, with amendments, by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.”

“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.

“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.

“This move by the House of Representatives reaffirms its dedication to upholding the Constitution’s supremacy and ensuring that the emergency measures in Rivers State are subject to legislative oversight, guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Rivers State’s residents.”

The 19-man committee will be chaired by Julius Ihonvbere, the house majority leader, while Ali Isa will serve as deputy chairman.

Other members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Ahmed Wase, Aliyu Muktar Betera, Sada Soli, James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, and James Barka.

Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, and Rep. Fatima Talba are also included in the list.

Jake Dan-Azumi will head the secretariat.

BACKGROUND

On March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state over the political crisis in the state.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

Shortly after his appointment, the Rivers sole administrator suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

Before the declaration of a state of emergency, Fubara had asked elected local government chairpersons in the state to hand over to LGA administrators.

The suspended governor had issued the directive after a supreme court judgment nullified the LGA elections conducted in the state in October 2024.

Last week, the federal high court in Port Harcourt restrained Ibas from appointing coordinators to oversee the 23 LGAs in the state.