The House of Representatives has issued a formal warning to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), reminding him that he does not have the constitutional authority to make laws for the state.
This caution follows recent statements from Ibas indicating his intention to prepare a new budget for Rivers State. The move comes after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state in March due to a deepening political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to the House, any attempt by the Sole Administrator to engage in legislative activities, including budgeting, would be a violation of constitutional provisions. Deputy spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, told Track News Online on Sunday that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is in consultation with House leadership to establish a committee. This committee would be tasked with overseeing the administrator’s actions and ensuring he does not overstep the boundaries of his mandate.
Agbese stated, “The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances. The Speaker is working with the leadership to set up a committee that will monitor the activities of the administrator and ensure the interests of Rivers State are protected.”
He further explained that the House expects President Tinubu to have been informed of the lawmakers’ stance on the administrator’s role. Should Ibas exceed his mandate, Agbese warned that the House would not hesitate to take decisive steps, including a possible vote of no confidence, to uphold accountability and the rule of law.
The political conflict in Rivers State began earlier this year when tensions escalated between Governor Fubara and the state legislature. In response, President Tinubu declared an emergency rule in the state and suspended both the governor and the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Admiral Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator to oversee the administration of the state during this period.
Last week, Ibas met with members of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus, where he announced plans to introduce a new budget. He stated that the initiative was prompted by a recent Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget. According to him, his administration is moving swiftly to ensure that essential government functions are not stalled.
He emphasized that the proposed budget will focus on sectors such as healthcare, education, social services, and infrastructure. “We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly, expedited,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens.”
Ibas also highlighted plans to channel funds into job creation and development in agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. “We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay,” he added.
However, the House of Representatives appears unconvinced that the administrator has the legal power to propose or enact such a budget. The lawmakers insist that only a constitutionally recognized legislature can perform such duties. This position sets the stage for a possible confrontation between the federal legislature and the temporary administrator if the latter proceeds with budgetary actions.
The House has made it clear that while it acknowledges the current administrative arrangement in Rivers State, it will not allow a breach of the constitution. As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the committee that is expected to be formed by the Speaker to monitor Ibas’ conduct and ensure that the legislative rights of the people of Rivers State are not infringed upon.
No official response has yet been issued by the Presidency regarding the House’s latest warning or the administrator’s budget plans. The coming weeks may prove critical in determining the scope of authority Vice Admiral Ibas will be allowed to exercise during his tenure as Sole Administrator.
