The House of Representatives has issued a fresh reminder to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), emphasized that he lacked the constitutional authority to make laws or draft a budget for the state.
This warning comes after Ibas announced his plans to prepare a new budget for the oil-rich state following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March. The state of emergency, declared by President Bola Tinubu, suspended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the state legislature for an initial period of six months. Ibas was appointed to manage the state’s affairs during this period.
In a statement, the Deputy Spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese, clarified that the Sole Administrator does not have the mandate to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws. He further explained that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is consulting with the leadership of the House to establish a committee to monitor Ibas’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented.
The House of Representatives had already communicated its stance on Ibas’s appointment and mandate to President Tinubu. Agbese warned that should the Sole Administrator overstep his constitutional boundaries, the House would take necessary actions, including a potential vote of no confidence, to uphold the rule of law.
In response, Ibas reiterated his commitment to the people of Rivers State and outlined his plans for the new budget. According to Ibas, the new budget would focus on essential sectors like healthcare, education, social services, and infrastructure development. It is expected to create job opportunities and invest in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.
Ibas assured that the budget would be transparent, inclusive, and expedited to benefit the citizens of the state, emphasizing the urgency of this initiative to address the state’s developmental needs during the state of emergency.
