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Reps Set Up 21-Member Committee to Monitor Rivers State Affairs
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By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has launched a 21-member ad-hoc committee to keep an eye on governance in Rivers State during the current State of Emergency.
Speak Abbas during the inauguration of the committee, on Tuesday, said the move shows the National Assembly’s dedication to upholding the constitution and keeping things transparent.
He explained that the committee is meant to help maintain stability in Rivers State after President Bola Tinubu announced a six-month State of Emergency on March 18.
He said: “The 10th House of Representatives inaugurates an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the present emergency period.
“This moment marks not only a critical milestone in our constitutional mandate but also a display of our dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country”.
President Tinubu’s declaration, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), followed what the Speaker described as a “grave crisis threatening public order.”
He made it clear that the President’s decision wasn’t made lightly, but was driven by a real concern for the safety and well-being of the people in Rivers State and the country overall.
Speaker Abbas also pointed out that this isn’t the first time the federal government has stepped in during a crisis. He mentioned past examples like Plateau in 2004, Ekiti in 2006, and the northeast states—Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe—in 2013, saying the goal has always been to bring back peace and restore normal government operations.
“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order,” he said. “Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.”
The Speaker also clarified that the current caretaker government in Rivers State, led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), is a temporary arrangement intended to maintain order and perform basic governance functions until democratic institutions are restored.
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as 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,” Abbas noted.
He aadded hat the Administrator must report directly to the National Assembly.
He urged the committee to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, cautioning against partisanship.
“You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation.
“You must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias”, he charged.
The Speaker emphasised that beyond oversight, the committee is expected to play a proactive role in peace-building and reconciliation efforts in Rivers State.
“Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.
“This historic responsibility calls for conscientious, forthright and astute governance”, he added.
Speaker Abbas further reaffirmed that the National Assembly’s intervention is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.
“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“It is now my solemn duty and distinct honour to officially inaugurate the House Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversight Rivers State”, he stated.
The newly formed committee is expected to submit periodic reports to the House, monitor the implementation of federal policies in Rivers State, and ensure that the caretaker administration operates within constitutional boundaries.
In his response, Chairman of the adhoc committee and leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere pledged their commitment to the task given to them.
He said: “We will not disappoint Nigerians, we will be committed to this task.
“If I am not wrong, this is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever set up since 2019. So, to make our work a lot easier, with the experience, with the exposure, with the dedication, with the commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc committee that we will not disappoint you, we will not disappoint the National Assembly, and we will not disappoint Nigeria.
“We will begin our work immediately and we will remain transparent, committed, and unbiased in the deliverance of our values.Once again, Mr. Speaker, we thank you for being the true Nigerian, the true patriot that you are. And I’m sure that when the history of Nigeria is written, there will be several extra pages added to your chapter”.
Members of the Committee include: Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman, Rep. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman,Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim , Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase , Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Abiodun Faleke, Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke.
Others are :Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Rep. Patrick Umoh, Rep. James Barka,Rep. Alex Egbona, Rep. Isa Anka, Rep. Amos Daniel, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu,Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Rep. Fatima Talba , Rep. Chris Nkwonta, and Rep Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, on Saturday collected the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Certificate of Return on behalf of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan during the party’s National Convention in Abuja.
The certificate was handed over by the PDP Interim National Working Committee led by Kabiru Turaki, SAN. The presentation has renewed focus on the party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
The event was held at the convention venue in Area 10, Garki, with party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials, and supporters in attendance.
Gana received the certificate on Jonathan’s behalf before the crowd. The moment quickly became a major talking point and put the former president back at the centre of political discussions as the PDP debates strategy and possible candidates for 2027.
Speaking to supporters and journalists after receiving it, Gana drew significant attention from attendees and political observers tracking developments in the opposition party.
The development comes as PDP continues internal discussions on leadership structure and future direction. Many members believe decisions in the coming months will shape the party’s chances in the 2027 presidential race.
Political watchers are closely following events in the PDP as it works to strengthen its position ahead of the next election cycle.
More details are expected as the convention proceeds.
Angry protesters lockdown Ibadan, demand urgent rescue of abducted Oyo teachers, pupils
Hundreds of teachers and civil society activists marched through Ibadan on Friday, demanding immediate action to free colleagues and pupils kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protest, led by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group and the Nigeria Teachers Congress, NTC, followed the May 15 abduction of victims in Esiele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso.
—“Do more to rescue them”—
NTC National President Rev. Bunmi Thomas told protesters the rally was lawful and necessary. “We are demanding pragmatic action from government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students,” he said.
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While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts, Thomas insisted more must be done: “If the government is trying and the result is not there, then efforts must be intensified.”
He raised alarm over the children’s condition: “We have kids as young as two and three years old in the bush, exposed to rain and harsh weather.”
Thomas also called for security in all public schools: “We cannot continue to work while living in danger. Government must attach security personnel to every government school.”
He stressed the protest was not against Governor Seyi Makinde: “No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Makinde because he has performed excellently well.”
—Government responds–,
Executive Assistant on Security Matters, retired CP Sunday Odukoya, addressed protesters on behalf of the state government. “It is your constitutional right to protest and let government know your concerns,” he said, assuring that rescue operations were ongoing.
Odukoya also promised no teacher would be victimized for joining the protest.
Protesters said their only demand is the safe and swift return of the kidnapped teachers and pupils.
[ Channels TV]
A Federal Capital Territory, FCT, senatorial aspirant under the platform of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, has revealed how the primary election was allegedly manipulated by some party leaders.
Recall that the activist-turned politician contested for the FCT Senate but pulled out over alleged misconduct by officials.
In a lengthy statement detailing how the primary election was conducted, Aisha alleged that the exercise was conducted in a closed room with “predetermined outcome dressed in procedural formalities”.
She said after the exercise was “repeatedly postponed”, the venue was also “changed at the last minute”.
Aisha alleged that the “guidelines of the party were not followed. Delegate based process was introduced to be conducted at a central location instead of the direct primaries to be conducted at Local Government headquarters.
“When the moment came, the contest was not decided by delegates in the open; it was affirmed in a closed room, away from the people whose voices it was supposed to reflect.
“The party will indeed go on to release statements upon statements about the free and fair nature of the Abuja FCT primaries.
“They are entitled to their voice, but the facts that transpired when litigated by conscience and the guidelines of the electoral act do not reflect justice and fairness”.
Finally, PDP Faction Presents 2027 Certificate of Return to Jonathan at Abuja Convention
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Angry protesters lockdown Ibadan, want immediate rescue of abducted Oyo teachers, pupils
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