The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday inaugurated a special ad-hoc committee tasked with assuming legislative responsibilities for Rivers State, following the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly, okaynews.com reports.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, drew representatives from all six geo-political zones of the country. The move comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation concerning the political crisis in Rivers State.
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas reminded members of the 21-member panel that their assignment is non-partisan and rooted in national interest.
“This is not about party lines,” Abbas stated. “Your task is to legislate in the best interest of Rivers State and ensure good governance, peace, and prosperity. You are to act following Mr. President’s proclamation, and you must do so with neutrality and fairness.”
The committee is chaired by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, while Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) serves as Deputy Chairman. Other appointed members include Idris Wase (North Central), Aliyu Muktar (North East), Sada Soli (North West), Iduma Igariwey (South East), and Shehu Rijau.
Also on the list are Wole Oke, Akarihi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, and Isa Anka, among others. Notably, James Faleke, the designated representative from the South West, was absent from the event due to unavoidable circumstances.
The formation of the committee marks a significant federal intervention in the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, as the National Assembly seeks to maintain legislative order and governance in the oil-rich region.
