Reps Inaugurate 21-Member Committee To Oversee Rivers Administration

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the affairs of the newly established sole administration in Rivers State.

During the inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly, Dr Abbas charged the committee with the responsibility of monitoring the activities of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

The Speaker said the administrator must report directly to the National Assembly for all legislative approvals.

Dr Abbas restated that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Tinubu, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the dissolution of the State House of Assembly have placed the constitutional responsibility of lawmaking and governance in the hands of the National Assembly.

He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the administrator’s conduct, insisting that all decisions and actions must align with the Constitution’s provisions regarding peace, order, and good governance.

“This moment represents not only a pivotal point in fulfilling our constitutional duties but also underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparent governance,” Dr Abbas said.

He described the six-month emergency, declared under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a “decisive action born out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large”.

The committee is chaired by House Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, with Minority Whip Hon Ali Isah serving as deputy chairman.

Dr Abbas affirmed that the committee’s formation reflected the House’s dedication to ensuring democratic governance continues even during emergency rule.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) officially assumed office as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, following his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.