The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, April 15, ordered Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to report directly to the National Assembly for all legislative approvals concerning his administration.
This directive follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the dissolution of the state’s House of Assembly.
To ensure proper governance during this emergency period, Speaker Abbas inaugurated a 21-member oversight committee, charging them with the responsibility of closely monitoring Ibas’ activities and ensuring that all decisions are in line with constitutional guidelines.
“The administrator must report to the National Assembly regularly on his administration’s activities to ensure that the public interest is safeguarded,” Abbas said, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
He reminded lawmakers of similar past situations — Plateau in 2004, Ekiti in 2006, and Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in 2013 — where the National Assembly stepped in during times of crisis to protect democratic order. These historical precedents, Abbas said, guide the current approach.
While describing the caretaker leadership as temporary, Abbas underscored that Vice Admiral Ibas’ mission is to maintain peace, ensure basic governance, and prepare the state for a return to democratic rule.
The oversight committee is chaired by Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), with Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) serving as deputy. Their task is clear: ensure that the Ibas-led administration operates within legal boundaries, upholds federal policies, and protects the rights of Rivers residents.
Referring to the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, Speaker Abbas said the National Assembly is stepping in to fill the legislative gap until normal governance is restored.
“This committee’s mission is clear and non-partisan. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Rivers State receives the governance it deserves, while protecting the rights and interests of its people,” he said.
Abbas also praised President Tinubu’s six-month emergency declaration, calling it a bold and patriotic move to stabilize the state and safeguard its people.
As Rivers State enters this critical phase, all eyes are on the Sole Administrator and the National Assembly to ensure that governance remains accountable and that democracy returns without delay.
