House Speaker Abbas Issues Warning to Rivers Administrator

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has reminded the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), of the limited and transitional nature of his mandate under the current state of emergency. The Speaker delivered the remarks during the official inauguration of a 21-member ad hoc committee tasked with overseeing the administration of the state, where democratic structures have been suspended following a presidential declaration of emergency. While outlining the purpose of the committee, Speaker Abbas stated that its function would be 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.” He stressed that the administrator’s actions must align strictly with constitutional provisions and that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. “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 government of the State as prescribed by the Constitution,” he said. The Speaker’s address came in the wake of mounting national attention following the March 18 proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. The move came amid an escalating political crisis, with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the dissolution of the state’s House of Assembly. Reminding the public of the President’s proclamation, 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.” He added that the action was firmly rooted in constitutional authority: “His declaration was based on the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution.” He compared the development with past interventions in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and the northeast region in 2013. “The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us.” “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 added. Speaker Abbas charged the committee to be vigilant in its duties, ensuring that public funds are spent judiciously and that the administrator remains within the confines of the law. “You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation,” he told the members. “In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias.” In what appeared to be a warning amid recent actions by the administrator, who has faced criticism for dissolving the appointments made by the suspended governor and allegedly favouring loyalists of former governor Nyesom Wike, Abbas reaffirmed the transitional nature of the caretaker administration: “It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary.” “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,” he said. The Speaker then formally inaugurated the committee, led by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere as Chairman and Ali Isa J.C. as Deputy Chairman, alongside 19 other members.