From Victor Osula Abuja
The Senate on Tuesday inaugurated a 19-member Ad-hoc Committee to oversee the interim administration led by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period, appointing Ibas as the Administrator to oversee affairs in the state.
The committee, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) with Senate Minority Whip Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central) as Vice Chairman, is tasked with monitoring the implementation of federal directives, ensuring legal compliance by the interim administration, and safeguarding public interest during this period.
The ad-hoc committee will also focus on fostering reconciliation efforts among stakeholders in Rivers State to address the root causes of unrest and facilitate the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
Members of the committee include Ibrahim Lamido (APC, Sokoto East), Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central), Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central), Tokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East), Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), and Sani Musa (APC, Niger East).
Other members are Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), Nwebonyi Onyekachi (APC, Ebonyi North), Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), and Mallam Madori (APC, Jigawa North-East).
A similar committee was earlier set up by the House of Representatives, chaired by Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
