Senate Resumes Sitting After Break, Sets Up Committee to Oversee Rivers State Emergency Rule Administration

The Nigerian Senate has resumed sitting after its legislative break and has promptly set up a 19-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the state.

The newly constituted committee is chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), with Senate Minority Whip Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central) serving as Vice Chairman. Their mandate includes monitoring the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Sole Administrator appointed to manage the state, ensuring full compliance with federal directives and legal frameworks.

According to the Senate, the oversight committee is also tasked with protecting public interest and facilitating a return to democratic governance. In addition, the committee will lead reconciliation efforts among stakeholders within Rivers State and other affected regions, addressing the root causes of unrest and promoting peace and national unity.

Members of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee include:

• Ibrahim Lamido (APC, Sokoto East)
• Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central)
• Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West)
• Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West)
• Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central)
• Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central)
• Tokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East)
• Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central)
• Sani Musa (APC, Niger East)
• Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South)
• Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South)
• Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North)
• Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT)
• Nwebonyi Onyekachi (APC, Ebonyi North)
• Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West)
• Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)
• Mallam Madori (APC, Jigawa North East)

The decision to establish the oversight committee follows the National Assembly’s resolution endorsing the President’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Lawmakers stressed that the move is necessary to uphold the principle of checks and balances, especially under an emergency rule arrangement.

May Day Protest: Rivers Workers Shun Celebration Over Emergency Rule

Meanwhile, May Day celebrations in Rivers State were noticeably low-key as workers chose to forgo the usual festivities in protest of the emergency rule. Labour leaders and civil society groups described the situation as undemocratic and called for the swift restoration of normal governance structures in the state.