…directs Ibas to report to NASS for legislative approvals
The House of Representatives on Tuesday, inaugurated a 21-man adhoc committee to oversee the Rivers House Assmebly, and the affairs of the sole administrator in Rivers State, following the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The panel will legislate in place of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly.
Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House who innaugurated the panel stated that with the declaration of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, and dissolution of the state House of Assembly, the National Assembly has the constitutional responsibility of making and amending laws for the state.
While charging the ad-Hoc committee on Rivers state oversight with monitoring the activities of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Sole Administrator of the State, Abbas asked the administrator to report to the National Assembly for legislative approvals.
He stated that the inauguration of the ad-hoc committee is grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon the National Assembly, authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.
“Accordingly, in response to the President’s declaration and in accordance with our constitutional duty, the Official Gazette of the State of Emergency was duly transmitted to both the House and Senate. On 20th March 2025, the chambers deliberated extensively and approved the President’s request with significant amendments designed to reinforce democratic safeguards and ensure robust oversight. These resolutions were duly forwarded to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for implementation. The Certified True Copies of this will be made available to this committee.
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“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.). His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored”, he explained.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution”, he added.
The Speaker noted that the moment marks not only a critical milestone in the parliament’s constitutional mandate but also a display of the lawmakers’ dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in the country.
He described the six-month emergency declared by President Tinubu, which was based on Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), as a “decisive action” that was taken “out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole.”
The 21-member committee is chaired by Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), the Majority Leader, and the deputy is Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe), House Minority Whip.
Citing Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025, and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, the Speaker pointed out that the committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate.
“Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state,” he said.
