The Nigerian Senate has established a 19-member ad-hoc committee chaired by the Majority Leader, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele to examine the political turmoil in the Rivers State House of Assembly—mirroring an earlier move by the House of Representatives. This dual action by both chambers of the National Assembly has triggered debate over the constitutional boundaries of legislative oversight.
The crisis in Rivers State, driven by rival factions within the state legislature and linked to deep-rooted political divisions, has escalated in recent months, drawing national concern. The National Assembly’s interventions are framed as attempts to restore order and democratic governance, but critics warn that these steps risk crossing into executive territory.
Under Section 305 of the Constitution, only the President has the power to declare a state of emergency, subject to National Assembly approval. The legislature’s role does not extend to initiating or executing state-level interventions. Civil society groups have raised concerns that the ad-hoc committees—especially if they begin to issue directives—may be overstepping their constitutional mandate.
Observers caution that these developments could set a troubling precedent for federal encroachment into state affairs, undermining Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic norms.