The Nigerian Senate has announced the constitution of a Rivers’ 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State under Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the state’s Sole Administrator.
The Rivers’ 18-man panel, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, has been tasked to ensure transparency, accountability, and stability in the state’s governance.
The formation of the Rivers’ 18-man panel follows the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State Assembly, prompted by a political crisis that threatened the state’s stability.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu subsequently appointed Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as Sole Administrator to manage the state’s affairs for an initial six-month period.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced that the decision to constitute the Rivers’ 18-man panel is in line with the Senate’s constitutional mandate under Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to oversee states under emergency rule.
The Senate President also tasked the panel to monitor Ibas’ activities, ensuring that his administration aligns to restore law and order while addressing the needs of Rivers State residents.
Akpabio also announced that the panel will engage with Ibas to receive regular updates on the state’s affairs, review budgetary allocations, and assess the impact of policies on healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation.
Members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, Sabo Mohammed Nakudu, alongside the Clerk of the Senate.
This comes amidst mounting criticism against Ibas for allegedly making executive decisions beyond his powers.
Many have pointed out that Ibas’ decision to sack some members of Fubara’s administration was a constitutional overreach.
However, Ibas defended his actions, asserting that the emergency rule gazette grants him “sweeping powers” to stabilize the state.
