The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has officially inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee for Rivers State to temporarily assume legislative duties in the absence of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, saw representatives from all six geo-political zones appointed to the committee. Speaker Abbas charged the panel with maintaining a non-partisan approach, focusing solely on the peace, governance, and prosperity of the state.
In his address, Speaker Abbas emphasized the committee’s responsibility to rise above party lines, stating:
“Your task is to oversee Rivers State following Mr. President’s emergency proclamation. You must not be partisan or biased.”
The committee is chaired by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who also serves as House Leader, while Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) was appointed as Deputy Chairman.
Other members include:Idris Wase (North Central), Aliyu Muktar (North East), Sada Soli (North West), Iduma Igariwey (South East), Shehu Rijau, as well as Wole Oke, Akara hi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, and Isa Anka.
Notably, James Faleke, representing the South West, was unavoidably absent from the inauguration.
The committee is expected to begin immediate legislative oversight to ensure continuity of governance in Rivers State amid the current constitutional impasse.
