Reps plan committee for Rivers, warns administrator against making laws

The House of Representatives has reminded the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), that he does not have the constitutional mandate or power to make laws for the running of the oil-rich state.

The House stated this against the backdrop of the administrator’s plan to come up with a fresh budget, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state in March.

In an interview on Sunday, the deputy spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese, said the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, was consulting with the leadership of the House to set up a committee to monitor the conduct of Admiral Ibas.

He said, “The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances. The Speaker of the House is consulting with the leadership to establish a committee to oversee the administrator’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented.

“We assume that the President has been informed of our resolution regarding the administrator’s appointment and mandate. Should the administrator exceed his authority, the House will take necessary actions, including the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to ensure accountability and adherence to the rule of law.”

Validview network reported that following a political crisis pitting Governor Siminalayi Fubara against the Rivers State House of Assembly, President Bola Tinubu in March declared an emergency rule in Rivers State, suspending the governor and the state legislature for an initial period of six months.

In the place of the governor, Tinubu named Admiral Ibas, who last week declared his readiness to prepare a new budget for the running of the state in the next six months.

Speaking while playing host to a delegation of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus, the Sole Administrator said, “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.

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“We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly, expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”

According to him, “The budget, which is being finalised, focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.

“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”