The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reminded Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, that he must report directly to the National Assembly in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Speaker gave this charge while inaugurating the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State. He stressed that the temporary caretaker government in Rivers must be transparent, accountable, and non-partisan.
President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, after a serious political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. As a result, both parties were suspended, and Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed to manage the state temporarily.
“His role is limited,” Speaker Abbas said. “He must focus on maintaining peace, order, and basic government functions — and report all actions to the National Assembly.”
Abbas reminded the committee of past emergencies in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa (2013), saying the National Assembly had always stepped in to ensure governance continued during crises.
He urged the 21-member committee to carry out their duties without bias, monitor government spending, ensure federal policies are followed, and support efforts to restore democracy in Rivers State.
“This is not political,” Abbas added. “It is our duty to protect peace, law, and good governance.”
In response, Committee Chairman Prof. Julius Ihonvbere promised that the panel would handle the task with integrity and professionalism.
“We will not disappoint the House, or Nigerians,” he said.
