The House of Representatives will inaugurate an ad-hoc committee on Tuesday to assume the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, following the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
President Bola Tinubu declared the emergency on March 18, citing escalating tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State Assembly. Relying on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President suspended both Governor Fubara and the State Assembly for an initial six-month period and appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of the state.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism from prominent Nigerians, many questioning the President’s constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor. However, both chambers of the National Assembly approved the emergency measures, asserting that Tinubu acted in the interest of national peace and stability.
In line with Section 11 of the Constitution, the House resolved to form a special committee to fulfill the legislative duties of the suspended Rivers Assembly.
A statement issued on Sunday by House spokesman Akin Rotimi emphasized that the National Assembly rigorously reviewed and amended the President’s emergency proclamation to reinforce democratic principles and institutional checks and balances.
“One of the key amendments was designating the National Assembly—not the Federal Executive Council—as the oversight authority for regulations issued during the emergency,” the statement said.
The ad-hoc committee will be led by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with House Minority Whip serving as Deputy Chairman. Other members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, Abiodun Faleke, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, and Blessing Onuh.
Also appointed to the committee are Iduma Igariwey, Shehu Rijau, Oluwole Oke, Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, and Fatima Talba. The committee’s secretariat will be headed by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.
The House reiterated that this move reflects its commitment to uphold constitutional supremacy and ensure that governance in Rivers State during the emergency period remains transparent, accountable, and legally grounded.