It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary.”
…as Reps set up 21-member committee to oversee Rivers caretaker administration
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has directed the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to seek necessary legislative approvals from the National Assembly as he carries out his duties during the period of emergency rule in the state.
Speaking at the National Assembly during the inauguration of a 21-member House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Speaker emphasised the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to supervise and legislate for any state whose legislative arm has been suspended, in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state,” Abbas said. He added that all decisions taken by Ibas during the emergency period must be guided by law and subject to legislative scrutiny.
The emergency rule in Rivers was declared by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the dissolution of the state House of Assembly. The National Assembly subsequently assumed full legislative authority over the state, with the mandate to ensure governance continuity until democratic structures are restored.
Recalling similar instances in Nigeria’s history — including emergencies declared in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the Northeast (2013) — Abbas said the federal legislature had always played a stabilising role during times of constitutional crisis.
“Our actions today are grounded in constitutional duty and democratic responsibility. We must ensure that while democratic institutions are on hold, governance remains lawful, transparent, and accountable to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Speaker described the appointment of Rear Admiral Ibas as a caretaker measure, noting that his role is strictly temporary and limited to maintaining law, order, and essential governance.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.). His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution,” he stated.
Inaugurating the oversight committee, Abbas charged its members to ensure strict compliance with federal directives, adherence to constitutional provisions, and protection of public interest in Rivers State.
The committee is chaired by the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), with the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe), as vice chairman.
Abbas assured Nigerians that the National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers was not a partisan move but a constitutional safeguard aimed at preserving democratic order and state functionality.
He said Certified True Copies of the emergency gazette and legislative resolutions have been forwarded to relevant federal offices and would also be provided to the committee for reference and guidance.
“This moment marks not just the execution of constitutional duty but a reaffirmation of our commitment to transparent governance, national unity, and the protection of democracy,” the Speaker concluded.