The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has officially inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to temporarily take over legislative duties in Rivers State, following the suspension of the State House of Assembly.

The inauguration ceremony is taking place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, with designated members drawn from all six geo-political zones of the country in attendance.

While addressing the 21-member committee, Speaker Abbas emphasized the non-partisan nature of their assignment, urging them to focus on promoting governance, peace, and prosperity in the oil-rich state.

“This is a national call to duty following Mr. President’s emergency proclamation. You are to act without bias or partisanship,” Abbas charged the committee.

Leading the committee is House Leader and Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) serving as Deputy Chairman. Other members include Idris Wase (North Central), Aliyu Muktar (North East), Sada Soli (North West), Iduma Igariwey (South East), and Shehu Rijau.

Additional members are Wole Oke, Akara Hi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, and Isa Anka, among others. The South West representative, James Faleke, was unavoidably absent.