THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reminded the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) that by the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he must report to the National Assembly in running the affairs of the state.
Recall that due to lingering political crisis, Presidet Bola Tinubu, on March 18, this year, declared a six months state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly, and appointed Ibas to oversee the affairs of the state for the period.
The declaration was later ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, April 15, while inaugurating the 21-member House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State, Abbas urged members to be guided by objectivity and not be bias or partisanship.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd).
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.
“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.
“It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges. We witnessed state emergencies in Plateau State in 2004 and Ekiti State in 2006.
“Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups.
“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order. When state institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance.
“Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.
“It states that ‘at any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State, with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws, as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions.
‘Any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State…’
Abbas added: “This Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is 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 in the state.
“The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.
“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.
“The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny.
“In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias.
“It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.
“Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.
“Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.
“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.”
According to him: “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, securit, and the rule of law. We act not out of partisan interests, but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity and determination.”
In his response, House Leader and Chairman of the Committee, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, assured that the Committee was ready to deliver on the assignment, noting: “This is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019.
“This will make our work a lot easier, and with the experience, exposure, dedication and commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you, on behalf of my colleagues in the committee, that we will not disappoint you, the National Assembly and Nigeria.”
Other members of the Committee are Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) who is the Deputy Chairman; Idris Wase (North Central); Aliyu Muktar (Northeast); Sada Soli (Northwest); Iduma Igariwey (Southeast); Shehu Rijau; Wole Oke; Akara hi Amadi; Patrick Umoh and Isa Anka.
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