The Nigerian Senate has constituted an 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the emergency rule in Rivers State, following the suspension of democratic governance in the state.
This development comes after President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide address on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas as the Sole Administrator to govern the state for an initial period of six months.
Announcing the formation of the committee on the Senate floor, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the situation and the necessity of legislative oversight, in line with similar actions taken by the House of Representatives.
The committee will be chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), while Deputy Minority Whip Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central) will serve as Deputy Chairman. Other members include Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Iya Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central), Tokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East), and Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central).
Additional members are Senators Mohamed Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River South), Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), Onyekachi Nwaeboyi (APC, Ebonyi North), Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), and Mohammed Maidori (APC, Jigawa North East). Mr. Charles Bala will serve as the committee’s Clerk and Secretary.
Senate President Akpabio charged the committee to begin its oversight duties immediately, stressing the critical nature of their mandate. “If there is a need to review the arrangement, it will be after further consultation with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” he said.
The committee is expected to monitor and ensure accountability in the administration of Rivers State under emergency rule.
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