In response to the declared state of emergency in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has announced the inauguration of a 19-member Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with oversight responsibilities.
The committee is scheduled to be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, April 15.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the House spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., who explained that the decision followed the National Assembly’s endorsement of a revised version of the State of Emergency proclamation submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
According to Rotimi, the modifications were the outcome of “intense deliberations aimed at bolstering democratic safeguards and ensuring adherence to the doctrine of checks and balances.”
A key change in the proclamation, he noted, is that the responsibility for overseeing the emergency measures now rests with the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council.
“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,” Rotimi stated.
The committee will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. serving as Deputy Chairman.
Other members include Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase; Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betera; Hon. Sada Soli; Hon. James Abiodun Faleke; Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo; Hon. Shehu Saleh Rijau; and Hon. Wole Oke.
Additional appointees are Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi; Hon. Patrick Umoh; Rep. James Barka; Hon. Alex Egbona; Hon. Isa Anka; Hon. Amos Daniel; Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing; and Hon. Fatima Talba.
The committee’s administrative coordination will be handled by a secretariat led by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.
Rotimi stressed the importance of legislative oversight during this period, reaffirming the House’s commitment to constitutional supremacy.
“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,” he stated..
