Breaking…Reps committee summons Rivers sole administrator

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

This invitation comes in the wake of the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State on March 18, which led to the appointment of Admiral Ibas to manage the affairs of the state for an initial six-month period.

The National Assembly, acting under Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), subsequently resolved to assume the legislative responsibilities of the suspended State House of Assembly.

On Tuesday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee chaired by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, to oversee activities in Rivers State under the emergency rule.

Speaker Abbas emphasized the importance of neutrality, urging committee members to discharge their duties without bias or partisanship, in the interest of restoring order and good governance in the oil-rich state.

A statement issued by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi on Wednesday said, “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.

The statement quoted Prof Ihonvbere as saying, “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 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.”