Abuja, Nigeria – April 15, 2025. The House of Representatives has issued a formal summons to the Chairman of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee, demanding his appearance before the National Assembly to provide clarification on matters related to the ongoing political developments in the state.
According to a report from The Punch Newspaper, In a resolution passed during plenary on Monday, lawmakers expressed concern over recent actions taken by the caretaker administration in Rivers State, particularly regarding governance without elected local government officials, which they say contravenes the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The House maintained that local government autonomy is a critical element of Nigeria’s federal system and warned against any attempt by state authorities to undermine democratic processes at the grassroots level.
According to the motion raised on the floor of the House, the appointment of caretaker committees to oversee local government councils is unconstitutional and must be addressed urgently. The lawmakers stated that such actions erode public trust, weaken democracy, and violate the rights of citizens to elect their local leaders.
“The Rivers State Government must be reminded that the constitution is supreme. No state has the authority to suspend democratic structures and impose unelected administrators on the people,” a member of the House stated during debate on the motion.
The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee has been directed to appear before a House Committee panel next week to answer questions regarding the legality of his role, the process of his appointment, and the current state of governance in the local councils under his administration.
This move comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, where disagreements between different factions of the state leadership have sparked debates about constitutionality, loyalty, and due process.
Civil society organizations and legal experts have lauded the House’s intervention, describing it as a necessary step toward reinforcing democratic values and holding public officials accountable.
As the date for the hearing approaches, political observers across the country are watching closely, seeing this as a potential turning point in the ongoing power struggle within the state.
