The House of Representatives has warned Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, against making laws or preparing a new state budget, asserting he lacks constitutional authority. The House is monitoring his actions and may take further action, including a vote of no confidence if necessary.
The House of Representatives has cautioned the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, against engaging in lawmaking activities, following his announcement to draft a new state budget. According to the House, Ibas does not possess the legal authority to take such actions, as his role is limited to administration and does not extend to lawmaking, a responsibility held by the National Assembly.
The House expressed its concerns through Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese, who stated that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was consulting with other House leaders to form a committee that would oversee Ibas’s activities in Rivers State. The committee will ensure that the actions of the Sole Administrator align with the state’s best interests and the rule of law.
Agbese emphasized that should Ibas exceed his mandate, the House would not hesitate to take corrective measures, including potentially issuing a vote of no confidence. The decision to monitor Ibas came after his public announcement of plans to prepare a new budget for Rivers State in the wake of the state of emergency declared in March. Many have criticized this move, asserting that the Sole Administrator does not hold the legal standing to unilaterally draft a new budget.
As the situation develops, the House of Representatives remains committed to safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring that all government actions stay within their legal bounds.
