News

Reps Set Up 21-Member Committee to Monitor Rivers State Affairs

Published

8 months ago

April 15, 2025

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.

News

Seven Suspected Bandits Nabbed Along Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State

Published

35 minutes ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

Seven suspected bandits were nabbed along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources have confirmed.

According to sources, the suspects, all identified as Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at around 6:00 p.m. on 2 December 2025. A search of their mobile phones reportedly revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s.

During interrogation, the suspects claimed they had traveled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing to recover any actual firearms and to determine their possible involvement in criminal activities.

Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.

News

Finally , Appeal Court bars VIO from stopping, impounding cars

Published

45 minutes ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court ruling from October 4, 2024, that prohibits the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or seizing vehicles, as well as imposing fines on motorists.

The appellate court’s decision affirmed the lower court’s ruling, dealing a significant blow to the agency’s enforcement powers.

A three-member panel of the appellate court delivered a judgment on Thursday, resolving the three issues identified for determination against the appellant, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, thereby upholding the lower court’s decision.

Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the appeal was without merit. She awarded a cost of N1million against the appellant and in favour of the respondent, a rights activist and public interest attorney, Abubakar Marshal.

Previously, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had ruled that the Directorate of Road Services (widely known as VIO) should cease confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerians over road traffic violations.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha said while delivering judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, that the notorious road traffic inspectorate was not legally equipped to seize vehicles or impose severe sanctions on motorists.

The judgment, which followed a lawsuit by rights attorney Mr Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, significantly pruned the powers of one of the country’s most dreaded road traffic enforcers and brought respite to millions of motorists across the country.

The order did not apply to the Federal Road Safety Corps, which has operated for decades as the largest body of road traffic marshals in Nigeria.

In her judgment, Ms Maha said VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”

Subsequently, the judge entered an order of perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on its behalf from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.

News

PDP constitutes Caretaker Committees for Ekiti, Lagos States(See full list)

Published

4 hours ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has constituted caretaker committees for Lagos and Ekiti states.

This was contained in a release signed by the party’s Organising Secretary, Hon Umar Bature.

The party stated that: Accordingly, your Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the
affairs of the Party in Ekiti State, as stipulated in section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party’s Constitution, for a period of one months (30 days) or until a new Executive is elected.
In carrying out this assignment you are guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended), The Electoral Act as amended 2010 and the Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

“It is expected that your exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and
regulations during your assignment will justify the confidence reposed in you by the leadership of the party.

See list below:

Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi
Chairman
Lagos State Caretaker Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
Lagos State
APPOINTMENT OF LAGOS STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party (PDP) has on behalf of the
National Executive Committee (NEC) Pursuant to Section 29 (2) (b) of our Constitution
(2017 as amended), approved your appointment as Chairman of Lagos State
CARETAKER COMMITTEE which is composed as follows:
(1) Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi
(2) Chief Adele Bankole
(3) Mrs. Akinro Bolaji Rosaline
(4) Mrs. Adebimpe Maria
(5) Mrs. Ege Allen
(6) Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke
-Chairman
-Vice Chairman
-Member
-Member
-Member
-Member
(7) Chief Adio Salami
-Member
(8) Alh. Abiola Tella
-Member
(9) Prince Gani Ogungbayi
-Member
(10) Mr. Odum Kalu
-Member
(11) Mr. Ola Odunfa
-Member
(12) Mrs. Iberu Taiwo
-Member
(13) Mr. Solomon Yusoof
-Member
(14) Mr. Olusanya Abayomi
-Member
(15) Mr. Samson Hundeyin
-Member
(16) Mr. Oriyomi Oluwafemi
-Member
(17) Mrs. Ijeoma Eze
-Member
(18) Mr. Olayinka Samuel
-Member
(19) Mr. Jamiu Awofala
-Secretary
Website: www.peoplesdemocraticparty.com.ng t: @OfficialsPDPNig | F: @Officialpdpnig 15:55
Accordingly, your Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs
of the Party in Lagos State, as stipulated in section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party’s
Constitution, for a period of one months (30 days) or until a new Executive is elected.
In carrying out this assignment you are guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2017,
as amended), The Electoral Act as amended 2010 and the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
It is expected that your exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and
regulations during your assignment will justify the confidence reposed in you by the
leadership of the party.
Congratulations
Hon. Umar M. Bature
National Organizing Secretary
[12/4, 4:06 PM] George: PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Motto: Justice, Unity and Progress
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
National secretariate: Wadata Plaza, Plot 1970, Micheal Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Monday, December 01, 2025
Omolashe Lanre
Chairman,
Ekiti State Caretaker Committee,
Peoples Democratic Party,
Ekiti State.
APPOINTMENT OF EKITI STATE PDP CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party (PDP) has on behalf
of the National Executive Committee (NEC) Pursuant to Section 29 (2) (b) of
our Constitution (2017 as amended), approved your appointment as Chairman
of Ekiti State CARETAKER COMMITTEE which is composed as follows:
1) OMOLASHE LANRE
Chairman
2) FEMI PHILLIPS
Member
3) HON.GANI BAKARE
Member
4) HON AKANDE BABATUNDE
Member
5) TOSIN JOEL
Member
6) AYILARAN MODUPE
Member
7) PELEMON DARE
Member
8) CHIEF AROGBODO AYODELE
Member
9) SEGUN OLATUNJI
Member
10) BAR GBENGA AGBEDE
Member
11) SESAN OWOEYE
Member
12) GBENGA OJUAWO
13) ARINDE JIMOH
Member
Membet
14) ADARA ROTIMI
Member
15) BANJI ADELEKE
Member
16) CHIEF TUNDE OGUNLEYE
Member/Secretary.