Rivers Emergency Rule: Prof. Julius Ihonvbere Heads House Of Reps Ad-Hoc Oversight Committee

…Set For Tuesday Inauguration

The House of Representatives  has appointment Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere as the  Chairman of 19-member Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight to ensure that developments in the state does not deviate from democratic dictates while the state of emergency lasts.

It is set for inauguration  on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in furtherance of its constitutional mandate and commitment to transparent governance.

This follows the resolution of the National Assembly approving the Proclamation, with amendments, 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 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, said a statement on Sunday.

*Members of the Committee include:*

1. Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman

2. Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman

3. Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim – Member

4. Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase – Member

5. Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betera – Member

6. Rep. Sada Soli – Member

7. Rep. James Abiodun Faleke – Member

8. Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo – Member

9. Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau – Member

10. Rep. Wole Oke – Member

11. Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi – Member

12. Rep. Patrick Umoh – Member

13. Rep. James Barka – Member

14. Rep. Alex Egbona – Member

15. Rep. Isa Anka – Member

16. Rep. Amos Daniel – Member

17. Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Member

18. Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing – Member

19. Rep. Fatima Talba – Member and Head of Secretariat, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.

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, said the statement by Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr, Spokesman, House of Representatives