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| Nigeria House of Reps and Ibok-Ete Ibas |
The House of Representatives has instructed Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Interim Administrator of Rivers State, to report to the National Assembly instead of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
This decision follows the approval of emergency rule in Rivers State, which resulted in the removal of Siminalayi Fubara as governor, Ngozi Odu as deputy governor, and members of the state’s House of Assembly.
The House granted the approval after debating a letter from President Bola Tinubu, read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen at the start of the session. The decision was made through a voice vote, bypassing the usual procedural headcount, though the Speaker noted that 243 members were present.
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During the debate, the House amended the emergency declaration to mandate that the sole administrator report directly to the National Assembly. This amendment was based on Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the legislative oversight role in such matters.
Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Vice Admiral, was appointed by President Tinubu as the Interim Administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency. In this role, Ibas will oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months.
The declaration of a state of emergency and Ibas’ appointment have sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that the move undermines democracy and weakens the authority of Rivers State’s elected government.
While the House of Representatives approved the emergency declaration with amendments, the Senate has also weighed in, directing Ibas to report directly to the Senate rather than the FEC. This dual legislative directive highlights the ongoing debate over the balance of power and accountability in the administration of Rivers State.
(BUSINESS DAY)