Rivers Crisis: PANDEF lauds Reps Speaker for oversight committee on Emergency Rule

Rivers Crisis: PANDEF lauds Reps Speaker for oversight committee on Emergency Rule

By Idun Maximus

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for establishing an Ad hoc Committee to provide oversight on the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
In a letter dated April 16, 2025, PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali praised the House leadership for their “courage and foresight” in constituting the committee, particularly regarding its oversight of the Rivers State House of Assembly’s functions during this period.

“We… extend our profound appreciation to you and the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives for your courage and foresight in constituting and promptly inaugurating the Ad hoc Committee to provide oversight on the current State of Emergency in Rivers State,” Igali wrote, describing the move as “a testament to the visionary and focused leadership that the House… has demonstrated under your stewardship.”

The formation of this committee comes amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen significant developments in recent weeks. On March 14, 2025, the Rivers State House of Assembly adjourned its sittings indefinitely, jeopardizing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s planned budget presentation. This move occurred despite the governor’s letter to Speaker Martin Amaewhule expressing his intention to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Committee Leadership and Mandate
PANDEF specifically applauded the appointment of Professor Julius Ihonvbere as Chairman of the 21-member committee, describing him as “a globally respected scholar, accomplished public servant, and principled politician whose integrity and character are widely acknowledged.” Igali expressed confidence that the committee’s 21 members would “deliver the highest standards of national service in carrying out this crucial assignment.”

Reiterating PANDEF’s opposition to the emergency declaration, Igali stated, “PANDEF has consistently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which we believe does not align with the constitutional criteria for such a measure.” He argued that, despite political disagreements, “peace has been maintained in the state—unlike in several other parts of the country where security and human lives are under constant threat. Indeed, so to say, not even a fly has been harmed in Rivers State, and economic activities remain intact.”
However, he urged citizens to “uphold the peace and… cooperate with the imposed Administrator,” while stressing that “the appointment of the Administrator is not only a constitutional aberration but also a serious dent on Nigeria’s democratic image and its standing within the international community.”

The letter raised alarms over the Administrator’s recent actions, including the “arbitrary dissolution of duly constituted democratic institutions” and the “appointment of Sole Administrators for Local Government Councils, heads of government agencies, and more recently, ministries.” Igali warned, “It would not be surprising, therefore, if he proceeds in due course to appoint Permanent Secretaries of his own choosing.”
He also criticised the suspension of procurement processes, stating these moves “raise serious concerns about governance integrity and fiscal transparency.”

PANDEF called on the Adhoc Committee to “actively facilitate a political resolution in Rivers State… with urgency, diligence, and an unwavering sense of neutrality.” Stressing Rivers State’s vital role as “the nerve centre of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” Igali insisted, “The restoration of democracy in the state, most importantly through the reinstatement of its duly elected governor, is a mission of national importance—one that must be accomplished without delay.”

The committee’s primary responsibility will be to monitor the actions of the federally appointed Administrator currently governing Rivers State. PANDEF expressed hope that the committee would “provide effective oversight” and potentially reverse what they described as “unlawful measures” implemented since the declaration of emergency.
PANDEF has consistently opposed the emergency declaration in Rivers State, arguing that it fails to meet constitutional criteria for such measures. Ambassador Igali emphasized that despite political disagreements, peace has been maintained in Rivers State, with economic activities continuing normally.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, however, has publicly supported the President’s declaration of a state of emergency. In a statement issued on March 18, 2025, Speaker Martin Amaewhule attributed the crisis to Governor Fubara’s alleged “malfeasance,” including disobeying court judgments and obstructing the functioning of the Assembly.