(BREAKING)Rivers crisis: House of Reps summons sole administrator, Ibas

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

This development comes in the wake of the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which led to the suspension of the state’s elected leadership and the appointment of Admiral Ibas to administer the state for an initial six-month period.

Citing Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly resolved to assume the legislative functions of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly, ensuring federal oversight of governance in the oil-rich state.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, while inaugurating a 21-member ad-hoc committee chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, urged members to carry out their duties objectively and without political bias.

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.”

(Punch)