The Nigerian House of Representatives has established a 19-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.
This decision comes amid a political crisis in the state, primarily driven by a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The committee’s formation aligns with the Senate’s resolution to invoke Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, granting the National Assembly authority to set up an oversight body for Rivers State’s governance during the emergency period. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of the state, effectively sidelining local governance structures.
The House’s action has sparked debate, with some questioning the constitutional process, including claims of insufficient votes and lack of communication with Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
