The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad hoc committee tasked with carrying out legislative functions for Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
This development comes after President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, a move which was subsequently reviewed and amended by the National Assembly to reinforce democratic safeguards and ensure constitutional checks and balances.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the House spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, the newly formed ad hoc committee will assume the legislative responsibilities of the Rivers State House of Assembly during the emergency period.
The committee, which will be chaired by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and deputised by the Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C., will ensure that governance in the state remains within the framework of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Rotimi emphasized that the committee was constituted in accordance 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.
Other members of the committee include: Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Ahmed Wase, Aliyu Muktar Betara, Sada Soli, James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche Blessing and Fatima Talba.
The head of the committee’s secretariat is Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.
The committee is expected to be formally inaugurated on Tuesday and will begin immediate oversight and legislative duties to ensure the continuity of governance in Rivers State during the emergency period.
