The House of Representatives has issued a stern caution to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), urging him not to exceed his mandate by assuming legislative powers not conferred upon him under the current state of emergency. This development follows growing concerns over the administrator’s role and the scope of authority granted to him following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
According to the House, while the administrator has been tasked with managing the affairs of the state in an interim capacity, he is not authorized to enact laws or initiate budgetary frameworks independently. “We must be clear that the powers to legislate remain exclusively with the National Assembly. Any action outside this framework constitutes an overreach,” Speaker Tajudeen Abbas emphasized while addressing lawmakers during a recent plenary session.
In response to these concerns, the House leadership is consulting on the formation of a special committee to monitor the activities of the Rivers State administrator. The committee, once constituted, will provide direct oversight to ensure that the administrator operates strictly within the parameters of the Constitution and the emergency declaration. “Oversight is essential to prevent the abuse of executive privilege,” Abbas said, noting that the House has a responsibility to safeguard democratic norms even under extraordinary circumstances.
This position aligns with the Senate’s recent approval of a Joint Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the administration in Rivers State. The upper legislative chamber had earlier stressed the importance of checks and balances, particularly in light of the sweeping powers vested in the administrator. The Senate’s move underscores the legislature’s commitment to accountability and constitutional order during this period of emergency governance.
President Bola Tinubu had made it clear that while the administrator may propose regulations necessary for governance, such rules must be vetted and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President. “There is no provision for the administrator to legislate or pass budgets independently. Any attempt to do so would be null and void,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
As Rivers State continues to navigate the delicate period of emergency administration, lawmakers have reiterated their call for restraint, urging the administrator to work within the confines of his assigned responsibilities. “This is not an opportunity for one-man rule,” said Rep. Kingsley Chinda, a member from Rivers State. “The people of Rivers deserve responsible leadership that respects the rule of law and democratic institutions.”
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