Oversee of Rivers Administrator: Izunaso makes Senate Committee’s List

 Senator Osita Izunaso Appointed to Senate Committee Overseeing Rivers State Emergency Administration

In a significant political development, Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West Senatorial District, has been appointed to an 18-member Senate committee tasked with overseeing the emergency administration in Rivers State. This committee was constituted following the suspension of democratic governance in the state and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator by President Bola Tinubu.

Background: Emergency Rule in Rivers State

In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending all elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This move was ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly in accordance with Section 305(2) of the Nigerian Constitution. The decision has been met with criticism from various quarters, including the South-South Governors’ Forum and the Nigerian Bar Association, who argue that the situation did not warrant such drastic measures.

Committee Composition and Mandate

The Senate committee, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, includes notable members such as Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), Osita Izunaso (Imo), Osita Ngwu (Enugu), Kaka Shehu (Borno), Aminu Abass (Adamawa), Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos), Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo), Sani Musa (Niger), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi), Idiat Adebule (Lagos), Ede Dafinone (Delta), and Mohammed Maidori (Jigawa). The Clerk of the Senate, Andrew Nwoba, serves as the committee's secretary.

The committee's primary objective is to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance during the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the committee's oversight functions to safeguard democratic norms and prevent potential abuse of power during this period.

Senator Izunaso's Role and Experience

Senator Osita Izunaso brings a wealth of legislative experience to the committee. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his expertise in ensuring effective oversight of the emergency administration in Rivers State. His role will involve monitoring the activities of the sole administrator and ensuring that the state's governance aligns with constitutional provisions and democratic principles.

Reactions and Implications

The formation of the Senate committee has elicited mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessary step to maintain checks and balances during the emergency rule, others, including political analysts and civil society groups, have expressed concerns about the potential for overreach and the undermining of democratic institutions. The South-South Governors’ Forum, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, has particularly criticized the emergency declaration, arguing that the political situation in Rivers did not warrant such measures.

Conclusion

Senator Osita Izunaso's inclusion in the Senate committee overseeing Rivers State's emergency administration underscores the importance of experienced legislative oversight during periods of political uncertainty. As the committee begins its work, its effectiveness in upholding democratic norms and ensuring accountable governance will be closely watched by stakeholders across the nation.