By Hosea Parah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has dissolved all ad hoc committees with immediate effect.
In a statement made available journalists on Sunday, the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Sidi Ibrahim, said the decision was in line with 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 submit reports, and were not intended to exist as standing committees.
He, however, said that two ad hoc committees were granted a two-week 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.
“Following those announcements, only two ad hoc committees sought and were granted extension of time, in compliance with Order Eighteen, Rule 5 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.
“The two-week extension granted has since elapsed.
“In accordance with Order Eighteen, Rule 11, Paragraph 5 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives which provides for “Limitations as to time of Reports”, committees are required to submit their reports within the time allotted.
“Having exceeded the time allotted, the continued existence of the ad hoc committees is no longer tenable,” he said.
The clerk said that activities being carried out in the name of such committees should 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.