The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has instructed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, that he is required by law to regularly report to the National Assembly on the affairs of the state during his tenure.
This directive comes as part of the federal government’s ongoing oversight of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency.
The reminder was issued on Tuesday during the inauguration of a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee in Abuja. The committee was formed to oversee activities in Rivers State during the emergency period and ensure that governance is carried out lawfully and transparently.
President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, announced a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
In response, Tinubu suspended both the governor and the assembly, appointing Ibas to take charge as Sole Administrator—a move that received formal approval from the National Assembly.
Speaker Abbas made it clear that Ibas’s role is temporary and strictly limited to basic governance and security responsibilities. He noted that Ibas must regularly report to the legislature as outlined in the Constitution.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary…” Abbas stated, reminding the public and the administrator of the legal boundaries set for this emergency governance structure.
Abbas also called on members of the newly formed committee to conduct their duties without political bias. He stressed that their role is vital in maintaining constitutional order and helping guide Rivers State back to a fully democratic system.
“It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges…” he noted, referring to previous states of emergency declared in places like Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and parts of the Northeast in 2013.
The Speaker explained that the authority for such interventions is derived from Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution. This section allows the National Assembly to make laws and perform legislative duties in any state where the local assembly is unable to function.
“This Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate…” he continued, stressing that the members must monitor all actions taken by the caretaker administration, including public spending and policy implementation.
He further noted that the importance of the task cannot be underestimated, saying that all eyes are on the committee and the National Assembly to ensure that the rule of law is maintained in Rivers State.
“In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution…” Abbas added, urging full transparency and consistent reporting from the committee.
He also pointed out that the situation is not about politics but about fulfilling a constitutional duty to maintain peace and order.
Responding to the Speaker’s address, House Leader and Committee Chairman, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, gave his assurance that the panel would carry out its duties effectively and without bias.
“This is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019…” Ihonvbere said. “With the experience, exposure, dedication and commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you… we will not disappoint you, the National Assembly and Nigeria.”
