The house of representatives ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in Rivers state has invited Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator.
Ibas is expected to appear before the committee on April 17.
On Tuesday, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, inaugurated the 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the south-south state.
The presiding officer of the green chamber said section 11(4) of the 1999 constitution confers on the parliament the authority to make laws for any state in which its legislature is unable to perform its statutory functions.
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BACKGROUND
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the Rivers, citing a political crisis.
He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
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The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.
Several stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state affairs.
There have been protests in the state, demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.
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‘TO ASCERTAIN STATE OF AFFAIRS IN RIVERS’
A statement on Wednesday by Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house, said the invitation would provide Ibas with an opportunity to address the parliament and offer an update on the “state of affairs” in Rivers.
“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,” Rotimi quoted Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee and majority leader of the house, as saying.
Rotimi added that a formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged by Ibas.
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