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Reps Set Up Ad-hoc Committee To Perform Rivers Assembly Functions

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The House of Representatives will on Tuesday inaugurate an ad-hoc committee to take over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu on March 18, declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state following a worsening relationship between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly.

Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (As amended) in declaring the emergency rule, Tinubu suspended Fubara and the State Assembly for an initial period of six months.

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He also named Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Navy Staff as the Sole Administrator of the oil-rich state.

READ ALSO: CLO, Stakeholders Slam Rivers Sole Administrator Over Appointment Of LG Administrators

Although the President’s intervention was widely condemned by eminent Nigerians, with many questioning the powers of the first citizen to remove a democratically elected governor from office, both chambers of the National Assembly ratified the emergency rule, insisting that the President acted in the interest of public peace and order.

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The House of Representatives at plenary resolved to set up a special committee to take up the role of the suspended assembly in line with Section 11 of the constitution.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesman for the House, Akin Rotimi, noted that the presidential proclamation presented to the National Assembly was subjected to rigorous legislative consideration and duly amended to strengthen democratic safeguards and uphold the principles of checks and balances.

“One of the most consequential amendments was the designation of the National Assembly – rather than the Federal Executive Council – as the oversight authority for all regulations issued under the emergency arrangement.

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READ ALSO: Rivers: Court Fixes Date To Hear Suit Against Tinubu, Ibas, Others

“In line with Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the House has constituted a dedicated ad-hoc committee to monitor implementation and ensure that governance in the state remains within the bounds of constitutionalism and rule of law,” the statement read in part.

According to the statement, the committee will be chaired by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, while the House Minority Whip will act as the Deputy Chairman.

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Other members of the committee include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, and Sada Soli. Abiodun Faleke, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and Blessing Onuh.

READ ALSO: Nigerians Write African Union Over Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers

Others are Iduma Igariwey, Shehu Rijau, Oluwole Oke, Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh. James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka and Fatima Talba.

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The secretariat of the committee, according to the statement, will be headed by Prof Jake Dan-Azumi.

According to the statement, the development “Underscores the resolve of the House of Representatives to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and ensure that the extraordinary measures undertaken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by transparency, accountability, and the best interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

 

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Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

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A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa, has formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressive Congress.

Dudafa, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the PDP in a statement he issued on Saturday in Yenagoa.

In the letter of resignation addressed to the Chairman, PDP, Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma Opukuma Local Government Area, he stated that his decision to quit the PDP followed a period of deep reflection and consultation with his political associates, supporters, and family members.

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The letter read in part: “It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. Throughout my time with the party, I have been deeply committed to our shared values and goals, and it has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.”

READ ALSO:Jonathan Dragged To Court Over Bid To Participate In 2027 Election

Dudafa stated that the unresolved disputes, particularly at the national level, “have significantly impeded our ability to move forward, rather they create an environment of conflict that’s no longer conducive to advancing the shared values and objectives.”

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He said: “While this decision has been difficult, I remain committed to serving the best interests of our people, motivated by my dedication to their welfare and progress.”

Announcing his decision to join the APC, he said: “After careful reflection and consideration, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe offers renewed hope, unity and a stronger foundation to address the challenges facing our dear state.”

READ ALSO:Jonathan To Meet Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention — Sowore

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To the members of the APC, Dudafa wrote, “I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision.”

He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in the PDP and wished the party well in overcoming its present challenges.

Political observers are of the opinion that his resignation could signal realignments ahead of future political developments in Bayelsa State and at the national level.

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Why Wike Is Always Attacking Peter Obi — Obidient Movement

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The Obidient Movement has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments describing Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, as a “social media president.”

Wike had, on Thursday, accused Obi of playing politics with national issues after the former Anambra State governor visited a local authority school in the FCT and lamented the poor condition of public facilities.

I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local authority school and said the government has abandoned public schools. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike had said.

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READ ALSO:Wike Gives Update On Rivers Emergency Rule Expires Date

However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed Wike’s comments, saying they were aimed at keeping the minister in the news.

How will Wike sell his market if he doesn’t mention Peter Obi?” Tanko asked. “As I am talking to you, you need to see the mammoth crowd we have in our town hall meeting here in Nnewi (Anambra State).”

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Tanko further dismissed the FCT minister as the least of the Obi and his followers’ worries and defended Obi’s comments on the state of public schools in the country’s capital, insisting that the Wike merely drew attention to a national concern.

He stressed that Obi’s comment on the state of public facilities in the FCT was to point out that they are in dire need of attention, saying, “I was there on the ground and saw those dilapidated buildings. We also visited a clinic where only one nurse was on duty. Even the roads to the place are not easily accessible.”

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JUST IN: Rivers Cancels N134bn Secretariat Contract, Demands N20bn Refund

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The Rivers State Executive Council has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded by the former sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (retd), for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt.

The contract, awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation during the period of emergency rule under Ibas, was nullified by the Council at its meeting on Thursday.

READ ALSO:Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Refund Of Rivers’ Monies Expended By Ibas

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Following the cancellation, the Council directed CCECC to refund the ₦20 billion mobilisation fee already paid for the project.

Also, the Council approved the constitution of a six-member committee chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu to assess and recommend suitable locations for the construction of Computer-Based Test centres across the state to support external examinations.

The Council also mandated the state’s flood control committee, also headed by Odu, to take urgent measures to mitigate flooding in affected areas, while cautioning residents against blocking drainage channels.

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More to come…

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