The House of Representatives’ 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee, constituted to oversee governance in Rivers State following the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu, is yet to be briefed on how to carry out its mandate, The PUNCH has gathered.
President Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, after a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
He suspended both parties and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator—a move ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, appointing House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, as Chairman.
Despite the formal inauguration, members say they are yet to receive clear directives.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, said: “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, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that the maiden meeting was largely ceremonial:
“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.”
Attempts to get a comment from committee chairman, Prof Ihonvbere, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to messages sent to his phone.
Meanwhile, Speaker Abbas used the occasion to remind the appointed Sole Administrator that the Constitution requires him to report to the National Assembly.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently 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.).
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored,”Abbas said.
Referencing past interventions during emergencies in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa (2013), Abbas noted the constitutional authority of the National Assembly under Section 11(4) to legislate in such situations.
“This committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state,” he stated.
“The task before this committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.”
Urging members to maintain impartiality, the Speaker added,“You must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias. The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.”
In his response, Prof Ihonvbere assured of the panel’s readiness:“This is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever set up since 2019. This will make our work a lot easier, and with the experience, exposure, dedication, and commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you, on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc committee, that we will not disappoint you, the National Assembly and Nigeria.”
Members of the committee include 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, and Chris Nkwonta, among others.
The representative for the South West, James Faleke, was absent at the inauguration.
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