The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reminded Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, of his constitutional obligation to report directly to the National Assembly in the discharge of his duties.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State, Abbas emphasized that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates such accountability, especially under the current emergency rule.
Recall that on March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State amid a political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. Both parties were suspended, and Admiral Ibas was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs—a decision ratified by the National Assembly.
Inaugurating the 21-member committee, Speaker Abbas charged them to remain objective and non-partisan. He stressed that Ibas’s role is strictly temporary and focused on maintaining law and order until democratic governance is fully restored.
“The administrator must operate with transparency and accountability, and report to the National Assembly on all matters concerning peace, order, and good governance, as required by the Constitution,” Abbas said.
He cited past precedents, including states of emergency in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (2013), noting that the National Assembly has historically played a critical role in maintaining constitutional order during such periods.
Quoting Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, Abbas reaffirmed the Assembly’s authority to legislate for any state whose House of Assembly is unable to perform its functions, stating, “Any such laws enacted shall have the same effect as if made by the State Assembly.”
He added, “This Committee has a clear, non-partisan mandate—to ensure federal policies are implemented, the caretaker government follows the law, and to protect public interest until democracy is restored.”
Abbas emphasized the gravity of the assignment, urging the committee to exercise diligent oversight, scrutinize public spending, engage federal and security agencies, and foster reconciliation.
“The National Assembly’s intervention is not a political vendetta but a constitutional obligation to preserve peace, security, and the rule of law. This is a test of our collective commitment to democracy.”
In his response, House Leader and Committee Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, assured the Speaker of the committee’s resolve to carry out its duties effectively.
“This may be the strongest ad-hoc committee formed since 2019. With our experience, objectivity, and dedication, we are committed to serving the nation faithfully,” Ihonvbere said.