RIVERS: Reps committee summons administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas

Ibas is expected to appear before the committee tomorrow, April 17, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

According to House spokesperson Akin Rotimi, the session will allow committee members to review early reports and ongoing developments in Rivers State since Ibas took office.

The Committee Chairman and House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, emphasized the importance of the engagement, stating, “This session is crucial to understanding the true situation in Rivers State and ensuring the House fulfills its oversight duties in the public’s interest.”

The committee confirmed that a formal invitation had been sent to and acknowledged by the retired naval officer.

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly for six months. He appointed Ibas to oversee the state during this period.

The emergency proclamation was made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for the suspension of normal constitutional processes during periods of national danger, disaster, or terrorism.

Within two days, the National Assembly ratified the emergency rule, despite significant public criticism.

The suspension of the democratically elected leaders drew sharp condemnation from prominent Nigerians and various groups, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Atedo Peterside, Nasir El-Rufai, Femi Falana, the Labour Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

The last time a Nigerian president declared a state of emergency was on May 14, 2013, when President Goodluck Jonathan imposed it on the insurgency-affected northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.