- Tompolo Breaks Silence, Denies Betraying Ijaw Nation
The House of Representatives has disclosed that it will inaugurate a 19-member ad hoc committee to oversee the emergency rule declared in Rivers State.
This is even as the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, TSSNL, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has denied betraying the Ijaw Nation by not speaking against the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement on Sunday, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the house, said the committee would be unveiled on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
The 19-man committee will be chaired by Julius Ihonvbere, the House Majority Leader, while Ali Isa will serve as deputy chairman.
READ ALSO: State Of Emergency In Rivers: Fubara Breaks Silence, Calls For Calm Amid Turmoil
Other members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Ahmed Wase, Aliyu Muktar Betera, Sada Soli, James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, and James Barka.
Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, and Rep. Fatima Talba are also included in the list.
Jake Dan-Azumi will head the secretariat.
“This follows the resolution of the National Assembly approving the Proclamation, with amendments, by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State,” the statement reads.
“The proclamation presented to the National Assembly by Mr. President 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.”
“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.
“This 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.
“This move by the House of Representatives reaffirms its dedication to upholding the Constitution’s supremacy and ensuring that the emergency measures in Rivers State are subject to legislative oversight, guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Rivers State’s residents.”
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Reps Approve Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers Despite Opposition
Meanwhile, Tompolo, who was speaking for the first time almost a month after a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State expressed optimism that the issue would soon be resolved.
“People say I betrayed the Ijaw nation for not speaking about the removal of Governor Fubara.
“But I cannot betray the Ijaw people; I have spent my entire life fighting for them,” he disclosed during his 54th birthday celebration on Saturday at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
