By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, established by the House of Representatives, has invited Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to appear before it for a comprehensive interactive session.
This development follows the National Assembly’s resolution approving the Presidential Proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
The Committee, which was formally inaugurated by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, held its inaugural meeting today at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. During the meeting, members deliberated on preliminary reports and developments emerging from Rivers State since the Sole Administrator assumed office.
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According to the Chairman of the Committee and House Leader, Hon. (Prof.) Julius Ihonvbere, OON, “This engagement is necessary to ascertain the true state of affairs in Rivers State and ensure that the House remains properly guided in the discharge of its oversight responsibilities in the public interest.”
The interactive session is scheduled to hold on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. A formal letter of invitation has been sent to the Sole Administrator and has been acknowledged.
The Committee’s invitation is part of its constitutional mandate to exercise full legislative oversight in accordance with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This move demonstrates the Committee’s commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to transparency in the Committee’s proceedings. This public announcement serves to reinforce this commitment and ensure that the public is informed about the Committee’s activities.
In a statement signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., Spokesman, House of Representatives, the Committee emphasized its dedication to fulfilling its duties in the public interest. The Committee’s oversight role is crucial in ensuring that the administration of Rivers State is transparent and accountable to the people.
The establishment of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight is a significant development in the National Assembly’s efforts to address the challenges facing the state. With the Sole Administrator’s appearance before the Committee, the House of Representatives is poised to gain a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground and provide guidance on the way forward.