Fresh information has surfaced concerning the abrupt and indefinite suspension of the House of Representatives’ scheduled interactive session with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
Indications suggest that the delay may be rooted in a quiet power struggle between the National Assembly and the Presidency.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, placing Admiral Ibas in charge and directing him to report directly to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
However, the House of Representatives, in a resolution passed on March 20, approved the emergency rule but activated Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to carry out oversight functions in a state under emergency rule.
In keeping with that responsibility, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee, led by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, to monitor the activities of the administrator.
On Wednesday—just one day after the committee’s formation—it issued a summons requesting Ibas to appear on Thursday to give an account of his first month in office.
Surprisingly, the House later announced the indefinite postponement of the session just 24 hours after the invitation was sent.
House spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, confirmed the development but offered no detailed explanation. He stated that the public would be informed once a new date is decided.
Although the official reason given was a request from the Administrator, insiders in the National Assembly have suggested that political factors influenced the decision.
Since assuming office, Ibas has drawn criticism for dissolving democratic structures. His administration has removed commissioners, political aides, top civil servants, and caretaker chairmen in all 23 local government areas. The replacement of the chairman of the state’s electoral commission has also raised alarms over potential abuse of power.
A committee member confirmed that these controversial actions were among the main issues the lawmakers hoped to address with Ibas before the session was shelved.
Meanwhile, a senior legislative aide, speaking anonymously, revealed that the Presidency may have intervened, insisting that only the FEC—headed by the President—has authority over Ibas. This reportedly led to pressure on the House to step back.
The source also noted that the Senate had declined to join the oversight process, likely in response to the President’s stance. This absence of Senate participation weakened the legislative push and highlighted internal disagreements.
According to the aide, “The indefinite postponement may well become permanent. It’s the House’s subtle way of stepping aside, signaling that oversight in Rivers is off-limits for now.”
