Nearly a month after President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, members of the 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives say they are yet to be briefed on their mandate.
Despite their formal inauguration on Tuesday by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at the National Assembly Complex, committee members expressed concern over the lack of clear directives.
“The committee has just been inaugurated today (Tuesday). We are yet to be fully briefed on the modalities and rules of engagement,” said Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency. “We hope the clarifications will be provided in due course.”
Another committee member, speaking anonymously, described the maiden meeting as merely 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.”
President Tinubu had declared emergency rule on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly following a prolonged political crisis. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as Sole Administrator—a move ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Speaker Abbas emphasized the constitutional limitations of the caretaker administration. “It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary… His role is strictly circumscribed,” he stated.
He reminded the newly appointed Sole Administrator of his constitutional obligation to report to the National Assembly, adding, “The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.”
Abbas also referenced past emergency interventions in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the North-East states in 2013, invoking Section 11(4) of the Constitution.
“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,” he said.
Chairman of the committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, expressed the panel’s commitment: “This is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever set up since 2019… I assure you… we will not disappoint you, the National Assembly and Nigeria.”
Notably absent at the inauguration was James Faleke, the representative for the South West.
Other members of the committee include Ali Isah (Deputy Chairman), Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, Iduma Igariwey, Shehu Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Amadi, Isa Anka, Chris Nkwonta, among others.