Rivers Sole Administrator Summoned To Appear Before House Committee Thursday

The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight has invited Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

This summons follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and the appointment of Admiral Ibas to temporarily administer the state for an initial period of six months. 

Citing Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly assumed legislative responsibilities in the state following the suspension of the State Assembly.

On Tuesday, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated a 21-member committee, led by House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere, to oversee affairs in the state. 

The speaker urged the members to maintain neutrality and focus solely on constitutional duties.

In a statement issued Wednesday by House Spokesman Akin Rotimi, the committee reaffirmed its constitutional mandate to carry out full legislative oversight, stressing the importance of transparency.

“The Committee resolved, among other matters, to invite Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session,” the statement read.

Prof Ihonvbere emphasized that the engagement aims to “ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State” and to ensure that the House acts on accurate and up-to-date information in the public interest.

The interactive session is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 17, at Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. A formal invitation has been acknowledged by the administrator.

“This public announcement reinforces our commitment to transparency and accountability,” the statement added.

The committee pledged to conduct its duties with diligence, fairness, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions.