Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. 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 while overseeing the oil-rich state under emergency rule.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during the inauguration of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State, the Speaker emphasized that the current interim administration is temporary and must adhere strictly to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
President Bola Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State following a protracted political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. As part of the resolution, both the governor and the Assembly were suspended, and Ibas was appointed to administer the state. His appointment was ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly.
While inaugurating the 21-member ad-hoc committee, Abbas urged them to act with integrity, impartiality, and a sense of duty.
“The current administration in Rivers is transitional,” Abbas stated. “Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) is tasked with maintaining law and order and ensuring basic governance until full democratic structures are restored. He must operate with utmost transparency and is constitutionally required to report to the National Assembly on all matters relating to peace, order, and governance in Rivers State.”
He referenced past instances where the federal legislature played pivotal roles during state emergencies, including Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (2013) during heightened terrorist threats. Abbas cited Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to legislate for any state whose legislature is unable to function.
The Speaker underscored the seriousness of the committee’s mandate, which includes monitoring the implementation of federal directives, scrutinizing public spending, and ensuring adherence to constitutional provisions.
“This is not business as usual,” he said. “Your assignment is of national significance and will test our commitment to democratic principles and good governance. You must work closely with federal agencies and reconciliation efforts to ensure a return to peace and democracy in Rivers.”
He stressed that the National Assembly’s intervention was driven by constitutional duty and not partisan interest.
In his response, House Leader and Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, assured the Speaker and Nigerians of the committee’s readiness to deliver.
“This is likely the most robust ad-hoc committee formed since 2019. With the depth of experience and commitment within the team, we pledge to execute this assignment with diligence and patriotism. We will not disappoint the National Assembly or the Nigerian people,” Ihonvbere affirmed.
