The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reminded Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), of his constitutional obligation to report to the National Assembly regarding the administration of the oil-rich state.
Abbas issued this reminder on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of a 21-member House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State. The committee was set up following the political crisis that engulfed the state, leading President Bola Tinubu to declare a six-month emergency rule on March 18, 2025.
The President’s intervention came amid a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. In response, Tinubu suspended both the Governor and the Assembly and appointed Ibas as Sole Administrator—a move ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Speaking at the committee’s inauguration, Abbas emphasized that Ibas’ role is a temporary and limited one.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the Governor and House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been put in place under Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd),” he said. “His role is strictly to maintain law and order and ensure the continued functioning of governance, pending the restoration of democratic rule.”
Abbas stressed that Ibas is constitutionally required to report directly to the National Assembly on all matters related to peace, order, and governance in Rivers State.
Recalling similar instances in Nigerian history, Abbas noted, “We saw such interventions in Plateau State (2004), Ekiti State (2006), and in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States in 2013 during President Jonathan’s administration. In each of these cases, the National Assembly stepped in to uphold constitutional order.”
Quoting Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he reaffirmed the National Assembly’s authority to legislate on behalf of a state legislature that is unable to perform its duties. “Such laws,” Abbas said, “shall have effect as if enacted by the state’s House of Assembly.”
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He charged the newly inaugurated committee to approach its duties with neutrality, integrity, and full adherence to constitutional guidelines.
“This committee is not a political tool—it is a constitutional mechanism,” Abbas asserted. “Your oversight must be transparent and consistent. You are to scrutinize all actions taken by the caretaker administration, monitor public spending, and ensure federal policies are properly implemented.”
He also called on the committee to work closely with federal agencies, security bodies, and reconciliation efforts to help restore peace and rebuild democratic governance in Rivers State.
“The gravity of this assignment cannot be overstated. Nigerians are watching. The success of this committee will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to the rule of law and democratic values,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the committee, House Leader and Committee Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, assured the Speaker and the nation of their resolve to carry out the assignment faithfully.
“This is probably the most robust ad-hoc committee constituted since 2019,” Ihonvbere said. “With the caliber of members, their experience, and dedication to national interest, we will not fail the National Assembly or the Nigerian people.”
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