The House of Representatives has cautioned the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), that he lacks the legal authority to legislate or develop a budget for the state. This warning followed Ibas's announcement of his intention to draft a new budget after a state of emergency was declared in the region last month. During a recent interview, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, clarified that the responsibilities of the administrator do not encompass legislative functions. He stated that the House is actively monitoring Ibas’s actions to ensure that the interests of the people of Rivers State are adequately represented. Agbese mentioned that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is collaborating with fellow lawmakers to establish a committee for this purpose. Additionally, he disclosed that the House has communicated its stance on Ibas’s appointment to President Bola Tinubu. He indicated that if the administrator exceeds his designated responsibilities, the House may pursue decisive measures, such as the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to uphold legal protocols. This situation arises in the wake of a political crisis in Rivers State that resulted in a rupture in the relationship between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly. In light of the turmoil, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in March, leading to the suspension of both the governor and the Assembly. Shortly thereafter, Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator, and last week, he revealed plans to formulate a new budget. He made this announcement during a gathering with members of the Rivers National Assembly caucus, where he discussed his intentions to invest in sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. Ibas indicated that the new budget would be expedited to address urgent requirements and would prioritize enhancing the state’s economy through investments in agriculture and technology. He also guaranteed that the budget would be transparent and centered on the needs of the populace. Regardless of his proposals, the House reaffirmed that legislative functions and budgeting are responsibilities reserved for elected officials, rather than an appointed administrator.
