In a bold reaffirmation of constitutional oversight, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has reminded Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), of his obligation to report directly to the National Assembly while managing the affairs of the state under emergency rule.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State, the Speaker stressed that the current administration in the oil-rich state is transitional and must be guided by law, transparency, and accountability.
The committee, comprising 21 members, has been tasked with overseeing federal directives and governance during the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The emergency declaration came after a deepening political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
President Tinubu suspended both parties for an initial six months and appointed Rear Admiral Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator—a move subsequently approved by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Addressing the new committee, Speaker Abbas underscored that Ibas’s role is purely administrative and temporary, designed to ensure law and order until full democratic processes are restored.
He cited Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to legislate for a state whose House of Assembly is unable to perform its duties.
Abbas emphasized that all activities under the caretaker government must be reported to the legislature to ensure compliance with federal law and constitutional guidelines.
He reminded the committee and the public of previous emergency interventions in states like Plateau in 2004, Ekiti in 2006, and Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in 2013 during the insurgency crisis.
According to the Speaker, those periods were pivotal in upholding governance when state institutions collapsed and the National Assembly stepped in to protect constitutional order.
Abbas warned the newly inaugurated committee to steer clear of bias and political allegiance. He explained that their assignment is of national significance and must be approached with objectivity, courage, and integrity.
He added that the Rivers State situation has drawn nationwide attention and that Nigerians are watching to see if the National Assembly will uphold its constitutional duty in restoring peace, security, and democracy to the state.
The Speaker explained that the committee is mandated to monitor the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinize public spending, and ensure federal directives are properly implemented.
He charged the members to file regular reports to the House and engage relevant federal agencies, security institutions, and reconciliation efforts to rebuild trust and democratic institutions in the state.
He stressed that the National Assembly's intervention in Rivers is not a political witch-hunt but a constitutional act aimed at safeguarding peace, promoting good governance, and preserving the rule of law. He called on the committee to see this as a historical responsibility that must be discharged without fear or favor.
Responding on behalf of the committee, House Leader and Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, pledged their full commitment to the task.
He assured the Speaker that the committee, described as one of the most experienced and capable ever formed since 2019, would perform its duties without compromise.
The developments in Rivers State represent one of the most significant political interventions in recent Nigerian history, with the federal government walking a tightrope between enforcing order and preserving democracy.
As the caretaker administration unfolds, all eyes will remain on both the National Assembly and Vice Admiral Ibas to ensure that constitutional principles are upheld and the state is returned to full democratic rule.