From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has charged the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) to be transparent and accountable in administering the state during the period of emergency rule.
Abbas stated this, yesterday, while inaugurating the House Ad-hoc Committee to oversee Rivers State, during the period of emergency rule. He said the sole administrator was expected to report to the National Assembly directly in all matters relating to the peace, order and governance of Rivers State.
He noted that beyond oversight, the panel is expected to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, as well as reestablishing a fully functional democratic system in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu, in a broadcast on March 18, declared emergency rule, suspended the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the House of Assembly over the political crisis in the rich state.
Tinubu also appointed Ibas as sole administrator of the state during the period of the emergency rule.
Consequently, the two chambers of the National Assembly approved the emergency rule, on March 20, using voice votes, with the House insisting that it is the constitutional duty of the parliament to make laws for Rivers State during the emergency rule.
Nonetheless, some of the actions of the Rivers sole administrator, including the appointment of sole administrators for local government councils in the state have been trailed by controversies.
However, Abbas said Nigerians were watching to see if the National Assembly would live up to expectations in discharging its constitutional role in Rivers State, while the emergency rule lasts.
“The Administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good governance of the state as prescribed by the Constitution.
“Today’s inauguration of the 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State reaffirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance. Empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of our Constitution, this Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate.
“Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.
“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. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny.”
Abbas, who stated that members of the panel were chosen based on merit, urged them to undertake the assignment with diligence, professionalism and impartiality.
“In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias. It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.
“Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary,” the speaker said.