House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen explained yesterday that the primary assignment of the Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was to ensure that the basic functions of governance were met during his stay in office.
Abbas also said that the administrator must be transparent and accountable in his actions since he would be relating with the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to peace order and the running of the state.
The Speaker dismissed insinuation in some quarters that the National Assembly’s intervention in the Rivers political logjam was an instrument of political vendetta.
He spoke while inaugurating a 21-man ad hoc committee to oversight Ibas in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which confer legislative power in the state on the National Assembly during emergency rule.
The committee which is headed by House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere has Ali Isa (deputy chairman); James Faleke, Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Aliyu Betera and Sada Soli as some of its members.
Others are Iduma-Enwo Igariwey, Shehu Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Blessing, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta and Ebibake Enenimiete.
Abbas said that the National Assembly would monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers state, ensure that the caretaker administration adhered to the law, and protect public interests while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.
He explained that when state institutions are suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly is always needed to ensure continuity in governance.
He told the committee members that Nigerians anxiously want to know if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.
Abbas said: “On 18 March 2025, the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State. This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole.
“In his address, the President emphasised that his intervention was driven by the imperative to restore peace and to ensure that governance continues unhindered.
“His declaration was based on the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution (as amended) and followed careful deliberation in the face of grave crises threatening public order.
“The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken lightly. They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility and a recognition that when democratic institutions falter, decisive action is necessary to protect the interests of the nation. This same sense of duty underpins our proceedings today.
“Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest level 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.
“The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.
“Therefore, the task before this committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.’’
He charged the committee to ‘’monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.’’
The committee is also expected to regularly report its findings to the ‘’in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.
“The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law.
“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us… to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
