In a move to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee tasked with overseeing the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The development, announced on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state, which suspended both Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature.
The committee’s formation follows a resolution by the House to intervene in Rivers State’s legislative affairs after the state assembly was rendered non-functional due to internal conflicts. The political turmoil, primarily between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state, prompting federal intervention.
President Tinubu, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State on March 18, 2025, for an initial six-month period.
Background of the Crisis
The crisis in Rivers State escalated in October 2023, driven by a rift between Governor Fubara and the state assembly, largely influenced by Wike’s political camp. Key events included the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to disputes over their legislative seats.
The pro-Fubara faction, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, declared these seats vacant, while the pro-Wike faction, under Martin Amaewhule, continued to assert authority, creating a leadership vacuum.
The Supreme Court’s intervention in March 2025 restored Amaewhule’s faction, emphasizing the constitutional necessity of a functioning state assembly. However, tensions persisted, culminating in the assembly’s indefinite adjournment in March 2025 after Fubara was denied access to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
This gridlock necessitated the House of Representatives’ decision to step in, as the Sole Administrator lacks the constitutional mandate to make laws, a responsibility reserved for elected legislators.
Role of the Ad-Hoc Committee
The 21-member committee, chaired by a yet-to-be-named lawmaker, is tasked with performing the legislative duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly until stability is restored. Its responsibilities include reviewing and passing the state’s budget, screening commissioner-nominees, and ensuring that governance aligns with the rule of law.
The committee’s oversight extends to monitoring the activities of the Sole Administrator to prevent overreach, particularly in budgetary matters. Speaker Abbas emphasized the committee’s role in safeguarding Rivers State’s interests, stating, “This intervention is not to usurp the state’s autonomy but to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not denied their constitutional rights to effective governance.”
He urged the committee to act with impartiality and expedite legislative processes to address pressing issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Reactions and Implications
The inauguration has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a necessary step to restore order, given the state assembly’s inability to function. A Rivers State caucus member, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, welcomed the move, noting that it would curb the “legislative rascality” seen in recent months. However, critics, including human rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs, argue that the federal intervention undermines democratic principles, particularly the suspension of an elected governor.
The committee’s work is expected to face challenges, including navigating the polarized political landscape and addressing public skepticism about federal motives. Its success will depend on its ability to remain neutral and prioritize the welfare of Rivers State’s residents over partisan interests.
