In the wake of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, the House of Representatives has announced the formal inauguration of an Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, scheduled for Tuesday, April 15.
The move follows the National Assembly’s approval of a revised version of President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation.
The House spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday.
He said the modifications to the initial proclamation were made to strengthen democratic safeguards and ensure strict adherence to constitutional checks and balances.
A key amendment places oversight of emergency regulations squarely under the National Assembly, shifting the responsibility away from the Federal Executive Council.
“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,” Rotimi stated.
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The committee will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. serving as Deputy Chairman. Other members of the 18-member panel include notable lawmakers such as Rep. Isiaka Ibrahim, Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase, Rep. James Abiodun Faleke, and Rep. Wole Oke, among others. The committee’s secretariat will be led by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi.
Rotimi emphasized that the creation of the oversight body signals the House’s dedication to maintaining democratic integrity during a period of extraordinary governance.
“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,” he said.
The state of emergency in Rivers, declared amid ongoing political tensions and governance disruptions, has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny.
With the inauguration of the committee, the legislature aims to reassure citizens and stakeholders that democratic principles will not be compromised, even in times of crisis.