Abuja – May 6, 2025 — In a decisive move to promote transparency and strengthen legislative oversight, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the establishment of an 18-member Senate committee to monitor the activities of Ibok-Ete Ibas, the administrator of Rivers State.
The announcement was made during Tuesday’s plenary session, where Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the committee’s responsibilities.
He directed that the committee must immediately begin its oversight functions in Rivers State, noting that its composition may be subject to change following further consultations.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, will chair the committee. Other members appointed include Adamu Aliero representing Kebbi, Osita Izunaso from Imo, Osita Ngwu of Enugu, Kaka Shehu from Borno, Aminu Abass representing Adamawa, Tokunbo Abiru from Lagos, and Adeniyi Adegbonmire from Ondo.
Additional members include Sani Musa from Niger, Simon Lalong from Plateau, Asuquo Ekpeyong representing Cross River, Adams Oshiomhole from Edo, Ireti Kingibe representing the FCT, Onyekachi Nwebonyi from Ebonyi, Idiat Adebule from Lagos, Ede Dafinone from Delta, and Mohammed Nakudu from Jigawa. The clerk of the Senate will also serve on the committee.
Speaking on the significance of the move, Akpabio stated that the Senate is committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring proper governance in Rivers State.
He stressed that the newly formed committee is expected to carry out its mandate with immediate effect and full diligence.
This development follows a similar initiative by the House of Representatives. On April 15, the House inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee to oversee the emergency governance situation in Rivers State.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had at the time described the move as a demonstration of the National Assembly’s commitment to transparent governance and adherence to the rule of law.
The establishment of this Senate committee is widely seen as part of a broader effort by the National Assembly to assert legislative authority and ensure accountability in the ongoing political developments in Rivers State.