Emergency Rule: Reps Summon Rivers Sole Administrator

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has summoned the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to appear before it on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The summons is in connection with the ongoing state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

The committee, established by the lower chamber following the National Assembly’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation, reached the decision during its inaugural meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

With the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the panel has assumed its legislative responsibilities.

The meeting, which came after the formal inauguration of the committee by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, allowed members to review preliminary reports and developments in the state since the Sole Administrator assumed office.

In a statement, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi explained that the invitation aligns with the committee’s constitutional duty to conduct legislative oversight, as provided in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Committee Chairman and House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, emphasized the importance of the session with Ibas, noting that it is intended to clarify the current situation in Rivers State and help the House make informed decisions in the public interest.

The Sole Administrator is scheduled to appear before the committee at 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 17, in Room 414 of the House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex.

“A formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged. This public announcement reinforces our commitment to transparency,” Ihonvbere stated.

He reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to carrying out its mandate with integrity, diligence, and strict adherence to the Nigerian Constitution.