…Inaugurates 21-member committee to oversee Rivers Sole Administrator
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, directed the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to always seek necessary legislative approvals from the National Assembly in the performance of his duties during the period of emergency rule in the state.
He said that the appointment of Rear Admiral Ibas was a caretaker measure, emphasising that his role is strictly temporary and limited to maintaining law, order, and essential governance.
Speaker Abbas, who stated these while inaugurating a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee of the House on Rivers State Oversight, stressed that in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, it is the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly to supervise and legislate for any state whose legislative arm has been suspended.
The Speaker assured Nigerians that the National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers was not a partisan move, but a constitutional safeguard aimed at preserving democratic order and state functionality.
He explained that the moment marked not just the execution of constitutional duty, but a reaffirmation and commitment to transparent governance, national unity, and the protection of democracy.
Abbas also said that it is paramount to understand and appreciate the fact that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary.
He further said; “The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state”.
The Speaker said that all decisions taken by Ibas during the emergency period must be guided by law and subject to legislative scrutiny.
The state of emergency in Rivers was declared by President Bola Tinubu, who also announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly.
Referencing similar instances in Nigeria’s history — including emergency rule declared in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the Northeast (2013), Speaker Abbas noted that the National Assembly had always played a stabilising role during times of constitutional crisis.
In the words of Abbas; “Our actions today are grounded in constitutional duty and democratic responsibility. We must ensure that while democratic institutions are on hold, governance remains lawful, transparent, and accountable to the Nigerian people.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.).
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution,” he said.
Abbas therefore charged the members of the Committee to oversight the Sole Administrator to ensure strict compliance with federal directives, adherence to constitutional provisions, and protection of public interest in Rivers State.
The committee which is chaired by the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), has the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe), as vice chairman.
Abbas said that Certified True Copies of the emergency gazette and legislative resolutions have been forwarded to relevant federal offices and would also be provided to the committee for reference and guidance.
