Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has dissolved all ad hoc committees with immediate effect. The Clerk to the House of Representatives, Mr Sidi Ibrahim, said that the decision was in line with the Order 18, Rule 5 of the Standing Orders of the House.
Ibrahim explained that ad hoc committees were designed to carry out specific assignments within a given time frame and turn in report, and not to exist as standing committees. He, however, said that two ad hoc committees were granted two weeks extension to conclude their assignments.
“I am directed by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, to inform all members that all ad hoc committees of the House stand dissolved with immediate effect. This directive is sequel to earlier announcements urging ad hoc committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports, in line with the rules and established practice of the House.”
The clerk said that activities being carried out in the name of such committees shall cease forthwith, urging members to take note and ensure strict compliance. He said that chairmen of the affected committees had been directed to forward all outstanding reports, working documents, records and other materials to the Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives for safekeeping.
The winners: the Speaker, who has enforced the rules; and the House, which will operate more efficiently. The losers: the committees that have been dissolved; and the Nigerian public, who may lose access to committee reports.
Bottom Line: The Speaker has dissolved all ad hoc committees. The deadline has passed. The question is whether the committees will submit their reports or the work will be lost.