The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has been summoned to appear before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
This development follows the federal declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, and the subsequent appointment of Admiral Ibas to oversee the state for six months. In response, the National Assembly assumed legislative functions for the state in accordance with Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas inaugurated the 21-member oversight committee on Tuesday, led by House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, charging the members to carry out their duties with neutrality and dedication to the public interest.
Speaking on the engagement, Prof Ihonvbere said, “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.”
House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, in an official statement, affirmed that the committee is acting “pursuant to its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight,” emphasizing transparency and due process.
Admiral Ibas is expected to appear before the committee at 4:00 PM in Room 414, New Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
“The Committee reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.