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BREAKING: Go take charge! NASS names Rivers lawmaking body *Lays ground rules for Ibas
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, retired Rear Admiral, currently running the show in Rivers State as the Sole Administrator implementing the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu in March, was on Tuesday, handed down a set of rules within which he must not extend, this time by the National Assembly.
At his inauguration on March 19 by President Bola Tinubu, who had declared a State of Emergency in the state a day earlier, suspending all democratic institutions, the former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), was told to go and restore peace in the state.
But, whatever brief Tinubu handed him on that day was beefed up on Tuesday by Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who pointedly told the retired naval boss that his major role was to uphold basic governance functions until full democratic rule is reestablished in the state and nothing more.
Coming at a time many complaints about some of the actions he had embarked upon, such as appointing executives of local governments and removing and reappointing members of board of key state institutions, the Speaker at the inauguration of a special ad hoc committee tasked with overseeing the administrator, emphasised that the Administrator must not only follow clear rules, but operate with the utmost transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on matters concerning peace, order, and good governance.
He explained that the committee’s role is to monitor the implementation of federal policies in the state, ensure compliance with the law, safeguard public interest, and support the transition back to democratic governance.
Explain that the emergency rule had captured national attention and set all eyes on NASS to meet the expectations of Nigerians in handling the situation effectively and responsibly, he charged the committee not to shirk its responsibility in playing its role as check on the current government.
Tracing the events that led to the situation in the state, he said: “On 18 March 2025, the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State. This decisive action was taken out of genuine patriotism and a deep concern for the security and welfare of both the people of Rivers State and our country as a whole.
“In his address, the President emphasised that his intervention was driven by the imperative to restore peace and to ensure that governance continues unhindered.
“His declaration was based on the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and followed careful deliberation in the face of grave crises threatening public order.
“The President’s extraordinary actions were not taken lightly. They reflect a profound sense of duty and responsibility and a recognition that when democratic institutions falter, decisive action is necessary to protect the interests of the nation. This same sense of duty underpins our proceedings today.
“It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges. We witnessed state emergencies in Plateau State in 2004 and Ekiti State in 2006. Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups.
“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order. When state institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance.
“Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions. It states that:
“At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that state with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State…
“Accordingly, in response to the President’s declaration and in accordance with our constitutional duty, the official Gazette of the State of Emergency was duly transmitted to both the House and Senate. On 20th March 2025, the chambers deliberated extensively and approved the President’s request with significant amendments designed to reinforce democratic safeguards and ensure robust oversight.
“These resolutions were duly forwarded to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for implementation. The Certified True Copies of this will be made available to this Committee.
“It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.).
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.
“The Administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state as prescribed by the Constitution.
“Today’s inauguration of the 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State reaffirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance. Empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of our Constitution, this Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate.
“Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.
“The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.
“Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.
“The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny.”
The Speaker, who said members the Committee have been selected with meticulous care by the House leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest, added: “You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation.
“I charge you, therefore, to approach this assignment with the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence. In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias.
“It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended. Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.
“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State. You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.
“Let me reiterate that the sensitive nature of this assignment, combined with the national interest in its successful execution, means that Nigerians will scrutinise every step and action you take. This historic responsibility calls for conscientious, forthright and astute governance that will set a benchmark for oversight functions by the National Assembly in the future.
“The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law.
“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.
“It is now my solemn duty and distinct honour to officially inaugurate the House Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversight Rivers State. I encourage you to perform your responsibilities with dedication and integrity worthy of statesmen and women.”
Members of the Committee include, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (Chairman), Ali Isa J.C. (Deputy Chairman), Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Ahmed Wase, Aliyu Muktar Betera, Sada Soli, James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta, Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgement of the federal high court in Abuja nullifying the timelines issued for the conduct of party primaries and the nomination of candidates.
Alex Izinyon SAN, leading a team of lawyers of the commission in a notice of appeal dated May 25, raised nine grounds it urged the appellate court to consider and vacate the judgment the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered on May 20.
Apart from raising the issue of jurisdiction, which it said the lower court did not determine, INEC also maintained that the legal action the Youth Party (YP) initiated against it was not only hypothetical but academic.
Arguing that failure of the trial court to make pronouncements on the issues, resulted in the denial of fair hearing to the Appellant, the commission also stressed the lower court misinterpreted the provisions of the electoral act.
It said: “The high court erred in law when it held that: ‘It is clear from the wordings of Sections 29(1), 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the following can be understood. Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 mandates Political Parties to submit the names of candidates in prescribed forms of the candidates who emerged from its valid primaries which such a political party intends to sponsor at the elections, not later than 120 days before the date of the General Election.
“What is required of Political Parties to do under the Electoral Act, 2026 is to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 21 days before the holding of its primaries, congresses or conventions, days before the holding of its primaries, congresses or conventions, or any conference or meeting convened for the election of its executive committees, other governing bodies for nominating candidates.
“The Defendant is not mandated to impose a timeframe for political parties to conduct their primaries provided that it will be done and submitted not later than the 120 days provided by the Electoral Act, 2026. See Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.”
It was another day of misery in Kwara State, when daredevil terrorists reportedly stormed Yashikira Community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, and as has been the case in many of the attacks, abducting scores of residents including women and children.
But, apparently to register their authority, the gunmen, who were said to have operated for hours without challenge from the security operatives, were said to have torched the palace of the Emir.
The attackers, which reportedly occurred late Sunday night were said to have announced their presence through heavy firing and after storming the palace of the monarch during the period, set it on fire before whisking away their victims, but a similar attempt at the police station in the community, was repelled.
While some of the residents, narrated how the spent hours without resistance, leaving behind destruction and fear in the border community, another account said the villagers were caught unawares as the gunmen invaded the town under the cover of darkness.
However operatives made up of the police and military personnel, were said to have launched a manhunt immediately for the immediate rescue of the victims, including throwing a cordon in the area as part of the mission.
“The suspect offered ₦500 million to the SPU commander in an attempt to make the team stand down and allow him to contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere. The offer was rejected immediately and properly documented for further investigation.”
These were the exact words of Olohundare Jimoh Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), with which he detailed how operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) scoffed at a N500million bribe to turn their eyes off the importation of a huge consignment of drugs imported into the country.
This was part of the details of a major breakthrough by the operatives after bursting a major drug trafficking syndicate in Lagos, which led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs estimated at ₦7.8 billion and arresting several suspects, including the alleged kingpin.
In the operation, reportedly carried out by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) in collaboration with divisional police detectives, the operatives, were said to have stormed a house in Mende, Maryland area of Lagos, following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering coordinated by the Zone 2 Headquarters.
The recovered drugs consisted of hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud, allegedly stored in the residence of the prime suspect, Jimoh, said disclosing that the suspect was apprehended on May 19 after weeks of strategic monitoring by operatives.
Offering further details, he said the operation was executed with technical support and guidance from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, alongside coordinated efforts between the SPU and divisional police teams.
Jimoh revealed that during the operation, the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million to compromise the mission and allow the movement of the drug consignment.
The AIG described the development as a reflection of the renewed professionalism and operational discipline being entrenched in the Force under the current policing strategy.
He noted that the success of the operation underscored the importance of deploying specialized police units alongside conventional divisional teams in tackling organized crime.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid containment strategies, intelligence-led policing, and professional conduct among the operatives involved in the raid.
“Rapid containment was achieved as the Special Protection Unit worked with divisional teams to secure the perimeter and prevent escape or interference with evidence.
“The operation was intelligence-driven, following months of surveillance and technical monitoring before the raid was carried out.
“The immediate rejection and documentation of the bribe attempt also reflect the standard expected from redeployed personnel at the divisional level,” Jimoh added.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism, saying the success of the operation validated the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and units across Lagos and Ogun states.
The IGP noted: “Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect. It shows that when you put your best foot forward at the grassroots, you get results and restore public trust.”
Disu further assured that the Force leadership would continue to reward integrity while holding officers accountable to the highest ethical standards.
Police authorities said exhibits recovered during the operation have been properly documented and will be tendered in court. The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to track down other members of the drug trafficking network.
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