News
Reps Appoint Prof. Ihonvbere Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight
Joel Ajayi
The Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, has been appointed Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The 21-member Committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, April 15, by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. This follows the National Assembly’s resolution endorsing, with amendments, the Proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
During the deliberations leading to the approval of the President’s declaration, the House resolved, among other measures, that the National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
Hon. Ali Isa J.C., Minority Whip, will serve as Deputy Chairman of the Committee.
Other members include Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase; Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara; and Hon. Sada Soli.
Additional members of the Committee are:Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Hon. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Hon. Patrick Umoh, Hon. James Barka, Hon. Alex Egbona, Hon. Isa Anka, Hon. Amos Daniel, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Hon. Fatima Talba, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, and Hon. Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
The Committee is mandated to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure the caretaker administration operates within the bounds of the law, and safeguard the public interest while working towards the restoration of full democratic governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier appointed Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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