The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), on Thursday, snubbed the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the State’s oversight as the retired three-star General did not turn up for the scheduled meeting with the lawmakers slated for 3:00pm at the House Hearing Room 301 at the National Assembly Complex.
After waiting for over 30 minutes without seeing or hearing from the Sole Administrator, members of the committee led by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, left the venue visibly angry.
When approached by journalists covering the House, the Professor Ihonvbere-led panel members declined comment, saying the committee will issue a statement later.
LEADERSHIP reports that a meeting between the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee and the Sole Administrator initially scheduled for last week Thursday was postponed indefinitely.
However, the House spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, later said the meeting had been rescheduled following a formal request from the sole administrator.
“The Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has received a formal request from the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to reschedule the interactive session initially set for today, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
“The Committee has acknowledged the request and is in the process of coordinating a new date for the session, and will, in the spirit of transparent and effective oversight, promptly inform the public once the rescheduled date is confirmed,” Rotimi said.
Recall that Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had on April 15 inaugurated the 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee to oversight the emergency rule under Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd) as the sole administrator in Rivers State.
The House had while approving the state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, resolved amongst others, that the National Assembly should take over legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly in line with the provisions of section 11(4) of the Constitution.
Consequently, the House constituted the ad-hoc committee to that effect with the majority leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, as chairman, and minority whip, Hon. Ali Isa J.C. as deputy chairman while the deputy majority whip, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, former Deputy Speaker Idris Ahmed Wase, Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara and Hon. Sada Soli are members.
Other members of the committee include: Hons James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta, and Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
Inaugurating the committee, Abbas said the action reaffirmed the House constitutional commitment to transparent governance, adding that as empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Constitution, the panel has a clear and non-partisan mandate.
He said the committee’s mandate
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.
“The members of this Committee have been selected with meticulous care by the House leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest. You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation,” the House Speaker had said.
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