House of Reps tells Rivers Administrator to report to N’Assembly

President of the Chamber of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas reminded Rivers State Sole Director, the deputy admiral IBOK-ETE IBAS (RETD.) Which, according to the supply of the Constitution of 1999 (as amended), must refer to the National Assembly in managing the affairs of the state full of oil.

The speaker was accused of Abuja on Tuesday while inaugurating the ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives on the state of spinners.

Recall that on March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared an emergency rule of six months in the state of sparrows, following the political crisis that launched the governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara, against the assembly chamber.

Tinubu suspended both sides for an initial six -month period and appointed Iba to supervise the management of the state as the only administrator; A decision that has been approved and ratified by both Chambers of the Federal Parliament.

Inaugurating the committee of 21 men on Tuesday, the speaker Abbas invited the members to be guided by objection, warning that there is no room for prejudices and partisania.

He said: “It is essential to note that the current administration in the state of rivers is intrinsically temporary. With the suspension of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire house of the assembly, a guardian administration was installed under the management of the back admiral IBOK-ETE EKwe Ibas (RETD).

“Its role is rigorously limited, as it is accused of maintaining the law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are satisfied only until the full democratic governance is restored.” The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and responsibility, referring directly to the National Assembly on all issues concerning peace, order and good government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution.

In the past he recalled the role played by the previous assemblies, urging the panel to see their appointment as a call to the service.

“It is instructive to remember past cases in which our nation faced similar challenges. We witnessed state emergencies in the state of the plateau in 2004 and in the state of Ekiti in 2006. In the same way, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and in the state of Yobe after a series of mortal attacks of terrorists and militant groups.

“In those periods of terrible challenges to security and governance, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in supporting the constitutional order. When the state institutions have been suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance. Our actions are now based on section 11 (4) of the Constitution of 1999, which borders on its authority to issue laws for any state whose elected organism is able to perform the functions Statute.

“He says that” at any time when any house of assembly of a state is not able to perform its functions due to the prevailing situation in that state, the national assembly can make these laws for peace, order and good government of that state in relation to the issues relating to its laws that may appear national laws to be necessary for national laws to be able to present national laws for laws that can appear on the basis of national laws. To this section it will take effect as if they were laws issued by the Chamber of the State Assembly … “”

He continued: “This committee has a clear and non -partisan mandate. Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in the state of rivers, ensuring that the administration of the custodian adheres to the law and protects the public interest while facilitating the re -establishment of full democratic governance in the state.

“The sensitivity and severity of this assignment cannot be emphasized excessively. The state of emergency in the state of the rivers has generated a widespread interest in the whole nation and the eyes of all the Nigerians are upon us while waiting to see if the national assembly can be up to the high expectations placed on it.

“Therefore, the task in the face of this committee is not routine; it is a mission of national meaning that will act as a litmus test for our commitment to the democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden for the president and all members, since any action undertaken will be subject to national control.

“In satisfying your mandate, you must conduct your supervision in close compliance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisan or prejudice. It is essential to monitor every aspect of the conduct of the guardian administration, examine public expenses and ensure that federal policies are enabled impact of emergency measures and to take further legislative actions if necessary.

“Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and restore a democratic system fully functional in the state of spinners. You are called to interface with federal agencies, security institutes and any reconciliation initiative that can be established, promoting the trust among all the parties concerned in the process.”

The speaker Insisted, “The National Assembly’s interventions in Rivers State is nottrument of political revenge but a Constitutional Necessity. It EMBOIES OUR COLLECTIVI Duty to SafeGuard Peace, Security, and the rule of Law. We act not out of partisan interest in the earnest service of a united and Prosperous Nigeria.

Responding, leader of the Chamber and President of the Committee, prof. Julius Ihonvbere promised the promptness of the panel to deliver the assignment.

“This is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever established since 2019. This will make our work much simpler and, with experience, exposure, dedication and commitment for impartial provisions on national issues, I assure you, on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc committee, which we do not disappoint you, the National Assembly and Nigeria. [The Punch]