Reps to Rivers Sole Administrator: You Must Be Accountable to National Assembly

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reminded the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), of his constitutional duty to report directly to the National Assembly throughout his tenure as interim head of the state.

The charge came on Tuesday during the inauguration of a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the situation in Rivers State following the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

Addressing members of the newly constituted committee in Abuja, Abbas emphasized that the current leadership in Rivers State is transitional and must operate with full transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional guidelines.

“Vice Admiral Ibas is not a replacement for democratic governance. His mandate is clear — to maintain law and order and keep the machinery of government running until democratic structures are restored,” the Speaker stated. 

He added that Ibas must regularly update the National Assembly on all developments, stressing that the emergency governance arrangement was not a blank cheque.

Emergency Rule Rooted in Constitutional Mandate 

The Speaker made reference to Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to legislate for a state when its House of Assembly is unable to perform its duties. He cited past precedents, including emergency declarations in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the Northeast region in 2013, as examples of constitutional responses to governance breakdowns.

“The law is clear — when a state legislature is suspended due to crisis, it becomes the responsibility of the National Assembly to step in. This is not an act of partisanship but a duty to uphold constitutional order,” Abbas said. 

He noted that both Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Assembly were suspended following political unrest, prompting the President to impose a six-month emergency rule with the consent of both legislative chambers.

Committee Tasked with Oversight, Not Politics 

The committee, chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, has been directed to monitor the implementation of federal policies, assess governance performance under the caretaker administrator, and recommend measures to facilitate the return of democratic rule in the state.

Abbas warned the panel against political bias, stating, “Your oversight must reflect the integrity of this House. Nigerians are watching, and your work will be a litmus test for our commitment to good governance.” 

He stressed that the mission of the committee is one of national importance and not a platform for political vendettas. “We are not here to take sides,” he said. “This is about ensuring peace, order, and good governance in Rivers State.” 

Ihonvbere Assures Readiness of Committee 

In his response, Professor Ihonvbere assured the House of the committee’s dedication to the assignment. He described the panel as one of the most experienced and competent ever constituted by the House since 2019. 

“We understand the enormity of the task and the public expectations. We are prepared to act in the best interest of Nigeria and restore confidence in the democratic process,” he affirmed. 

The committee is expected to engage relevant stakeholders, security agencies, and federal institutions to foster reconciliation and prepare the ground for democratic transition in Rivers State.