Blessing Onuh joins House Committee to monitor Rivers Emergency Rule

Hon. Blessing Onyeche Onuh, the member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, has been appointed to a high-level Ad-Hoc Committee inaugurated by the House of Representatives to oversee governance in Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency.

The 21-member committee, inaugurated at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, is charged with ensuring transparency, legality, and accountability in the administration of Rivers State under the emergency regime.

This follows the formal proclamation of a State of Emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its ratification with key amendments by both Chambers of the National Assembly.

She joins a bipartisan team chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) and deputised by Minority Whip Rep. Ali Isa J.C. (PDP, Gombe), with members drawn from various political backgrounds.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who presided over the inauguration, emphasized that the intervention is rooted in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, granting the National Assembly authority to legislate for any state whose House of Assembly is unable to perform its duties.

“This is not a power grab, but a constitutional responsibility to protect the sanctity of democratic institutions and restore order,” the Speaker stated.

He reiterated that the caretaker government in Rivers, led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), is temporary and must report directly to the National Assembly.

Hon. Blessing Onuh, in her remarks following the inauguration, expressed her readiness to contribute to the committee’s work, noting that transparency and rule of law must guide every step taken in the state under emergency governance.

“Our duty is not just legislative; it is moral and constitutional,” she said.

She affirmed that the committee’s mandate is to serve as a safeguard against abuse of power and to ensure that Rivers State returns swiftly and smoothly to democratic rule.

“We are here to monitor, to listen, and to protect the Nigerian people’s trust in our institutions,” Onuh added.

The House has vested full oversight authority in this Ad-Hoc Committee, bypassing the Federal Executive Council, in a move designed to strengthen checks and balances during the emergency period. Certified True Copies of the emergency resolutions have been transmitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with the House insisting on full compliance with its amended provisions.

Full List of Committee Members:
Rt. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman

Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman

Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka – Member

Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase – Member

Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara – Member

Rep. Sada Soli – Member

Rep. James Abiodun Faleke – Member

Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo – Member

Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau – Member

Rep. Wole Oke – Member

Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi – Member

Rep. Patrick Umoh – Member

Rep. James Barka – Member

Rep. Alex Egbona – Member

Rep. Isa Anka – Member

Rep. Amos Daniel – Member

Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Member

Rep. Blessing Onyeche Onuh – Member

Rep. Fatima Talba – Member

Rep. Rodney Ambaiowei – Member

Rep. Chris Nkwonta – Member