House Committee In Holding Pattern: Awaiting Clear Mandate On Rivers Emergency Rule Oversight

The 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee established by the House of Representatives to monitor governance in Rivers State following the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu is still waiting for clear directives on its specific mandate.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The committee, which was inaugurated by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, has not yet received formal instructions or guidelines on how to proceed with its responsibilities.

Committee chairman, Julius Ihonvbere, who also serves as the House Leader, along with other members, were sworn in at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. However, several members have expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding their roles.

Patrick Umoh, the lawmaker representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, shared his concerns in an interview with Punch, stating, “The committee was inaugurated today (Tuesday), but we are yet to receive full briefing on the modalities and rules of engagement. We hope to get the necessary clarifications soon.”

Another anonymous committee member described the initial meeting as more ceremonial than substantive. The source noted, “Nothing substantial happened at the meeting. We listened to the Speaker’s address during the inauguration, and we are ready to start working. The meeting was just for members to get to know each other.”

Speaker Abbas Stresses Constitutional Oversight

During the inauguration, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas emphasized the temporary nature of the administration in Rivers State under Sole Administrator Rear Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.).

Abbas reiterated that, according to the Constitution, the administrator is required to report to the National Assembly as per Section 11(4). He stated, “It is crucial to recognize that the current administration in Rivers State is only temporary. With the suspension of the state governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been put in place under Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.).”

The Speaker further emphasized the committee’s role in ensuring the caretaker administration complies with constitutional requirements, maintains law and order, and prepares for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.

He concluded, “This committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is to oversee the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure the caretaker administration adheres to the law, safeguard the public interest, and facilitate the eventual return to full democratic governance in the state.”