House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, has directed the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to report directly to the National Assembly, as mandated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
This directive was issued during the inauguration of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State in Abuja, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month emergency rule in the state.
Speaker Abbas emphasized that the administrator’s role is temporary, focused on maintaining law and order until full democratic governance is restored. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that the administrator must report on all matters concerning the peace, order, and good governance of Rivers State to the National Assembly.
He also urged the 21-member committee to remain objective and non-partisan in their oversight duties, drawing parallels to previous state emergencies in Nigeria where the National Assembly played a crucial role.
Quoting Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, Abbas highlighted the National Assembly’s authority to legislate for states where the House of Assembly is unable to function. He tasked the committee with monitoring the implementation of federal directives, ensuring the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protecting public interest while facilitating the return to democratic governance.
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, House Leader and Chairman of the committee, assured the Speaker that the panel would deliver on its mandate. He pledged that the committee, comprising experienced and dedicated members, would remain unbiased and committed to serving the National Assembly and the nation.
