The Nigerian Senate has formed an 18-member committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State, currently under emergency rule. The committee is tasked with monitoring the performance and decisions of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), who was appointed Sole Administrator following the suspension of the elected government.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the committee during plenary on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, stressing the importance of legislative oversight during this exceptional political period.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele will chair the committee. Other members include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Senator Mohammed from Jigawa. The Clerk of the Senate is to serve as the committee’s secretary.
The development follows the March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibas was subsequently appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.
In a related move, the House of Representatives has also constituted a 21-member ad-hoc committee to monitor governance in the state, signaling a joint legislative effort to maintain transparency and democratic accountability.
