Rivers Administrator would report to House of Reps instead of FEC

The House of Representatives has approved a recommendation mandating Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Rivers State administrator, to report directly to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council (FEC). This decision marks a shift in the administrative oversight of the embattled South-South state, currently under emergency rule.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis that has destabilized governance. As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

To manage affairs in the interim, the president appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator. Under the initial directive, Ibas was expected to function without legislative powers but could formulate regulations subject to FEC review and presidential approval.

However, during Thursday’s plenary session, Etanabene Benedict, a lawmaker from Delta State, invoked Section 11 of the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the Rivers State administrator should report to the National Assembly instead of the FEC. Following deliberations, the House overwhelmingly endorsed the proposal through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

In addition, the House recommended the establishment of a National Peace and Reconciliation Committee, comprising representatives from the FEC, the National Assembly, and other eminent Nigerians. The committee’s primary objective would be to mediate and restore peace among the warring factions in Rivers State.

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Lawmakers also advised President Tinubu to consider lifting the suspensions of Governor Fubara and the state assembly members once peace is satisfactorily restored, even before the six-month emergency rule period elapses.

Meanwhile, the Senate has also sanctioned the emergency rule in Rivers State following an executive session, aligning with the president’s directive to stabilize governance in the troubled region.