Report to NASS for legislative approvals – Reps tells Ibas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, charged a newly inaugurated 21-member committee to keep close watch on the affairs of Rivers State, with a particular focus on the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

The Speaker directed that Ibas must seek legislative approvals from the National Assembly for all key actions taken in his role, ensuring transparency and compliance with the Constitution.

This directive follows the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the dissolution of the state’s House of Assembly.

Speaker Abbas reminded Nigerians that the National Assembly has the constitutional duty to make laws and provide oversight when a state legislature becomes inactive.

He pointed out similar situations in the past, such as Plateau State in 2004, Ekiti in 2006, and the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in 2013, when the National Assembly played a key role in maintaining constitutional order during emergencies.

Speaking on the caretaker government in Rivers, Abbas stressed that the role of Rear Admiral Ibas is temporary and must be focused on restoring peace, ensuring basic governance, and preparing for a return to democratic leadership.

“The administrator must report to the National Assembly regularly on his administration’s activities to ensure that the public interest is safeguarded,” he said.

The Speaker praised President Tinubu for declaring the six-month emergency in Rivers, calling it a patriotic and necessary step taken to secure the lives and welfare of the people.

The oversight committee, chaired by Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), and assisted by Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe), was set up under the authority of the 2025 State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation and Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Its job is to ensure that the caretaker government in Rivers State abides by federal laws and works in the interest of the people.

“This committee’s mission is clear and non-partisan.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Rivers State receives the governance it deserves, while protecting the rights and interests of its people,” Speaker Abbas said.