Rivers administrator to appear before Reps Thursday

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has invited the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to appear before it on Thursday, April 17, 2025.  

This invitation follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the subsequent appointment of Admiral Ibas to oversee the state for an initial six-month period. Citing Section 11 of the Constitution, the National Assembly resolved to assume the role of the suspended State Assembly.

On Tuesday, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated a 21-member committee, chaired by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, to fulfill this responsibility.

He charged the committee members to conduct their duties without bias or partisanship.

A statement released by House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, on Wednesday, outlined the committee’s decision. “Pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.”   

ALSO READ : MASS KILLINGS: GIVE LAWFUL CITIZENS LICENCES TO CARRY AK-47/49 NOW: HURIWA TELLS GOVERNMENT

Prof. Ihonvbere was quoted in the statement, emphasizing the necessity of the engagement. “This engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.”

The statement further detailed the summons: “The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the Committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.”

“A formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged accordingly.

This public announcement serves to reinforce transparency in the Committee’s proceedings.

The Committee reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.