The house of representatives has inaugurated a 21-member ad
hoc committee to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers state.
Speaking while inaugurating the committee on Tuesday,
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the move indicates the parliament’s
“dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country”.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of
emergency in the Rivers, citing a political crisis.
He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state;
his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of
six months.
The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval
chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
Shortly after his appointment, Ibas suspended all political
officeholders appointed by Fubara.
During the Monday’s event, Abbas, who expressed support for
the state of emergency, recalled how similar measures were implemented under
previous administrations, particularly during Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, when
some serving governors were suspended.
“This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism
and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers
State and our country as a whole,” he said.
“The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken
lightly. They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility and a
recognition that when democratic institutions falter, decisive action is
necessary to protect the interests of the nation. This same sense of duty
underpins our proceedings today.”
Abbas said when a state of emergency was declared in some
states in the past, the intervention of the national assembly ensured
continuity in governance.
He cited section 11(4) of the 1999 constitution, saying it
confers on the parliament the authority to make laws for any state in which its
legislature is unable to perform its statutory functions. It states that:
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in
Rivers state is inherently temporary,” Abbas said.
Abbas said Ibas’ role is “strictly circumscribed”, adding
that he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic
functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is
restored.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest
levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the national
assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of
the State as prescribed by the constitution,” Abbas added.
He said the duty of the committee is to monitor the
implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers state, ensure that
the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public
interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance
in the state.
“The members of this committee have been selected with
meticulous care by the house leadership based on their integrity, experience,
and steadfast dedication to the national interest,” Abbas said.
The speaker asked members of the committee to carry out the
assignment with the “highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and
diligence”.
“In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight
in strict accordance with the constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship
or bias,” he told the panel members,” he said.
“It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the
caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure
that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.
“Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report
your findings to this house in a transparent manner, enabling us to
continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further
legislative action if necessary.
“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support
efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning
democratic system in Rivers state.
“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies,
security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be
established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.”
Abbas added that the committee members must be conscientious,
forthright and astute in the assignment.
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