Rivers SOLAD To Face Reps Committee
EXCLUSIVE
Barring any last minute change in plan, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-ette Ibas will appear before the newly inaugurated ad-hoc committee set up by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, to oversight his activities, between now and next week
The decision to invite Ibas to appear before the ad-hoc committee was taken on Wednesday, when the committee members, during their first post inauguration meeting, reviewed some of the activities of the administrator.
TNN learnt that the committee will have the administrator answer questions on the critical decisions and actions he has taken so far, including the dissolution of statutory commissions and boards in the state.
Most Rivers people had attacked the SOLAD for some of the decisions he took, including the sack of officials of the state independent electoral commission, RISIEC, and the appointment of new officials to take over the place.
Even, there are speculations that he is getting ready to conduct elections into the 23 local governments.
The argument has been that the SOLAD’s decision to sack officials of the boards and commissions was not part of the assignment given to him by the president, especially considering the amendments made by the National Assembly, to the emergency rule proclamation document.
Even though the SOLAD was expected to report directly to the National Assembly in the course of his work in Rivers State, it is not clear if he ever got the consent of the lawmakers to carry out all his actions, including the funds he has been spending.
Abbas had reminded the committee that “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.”
He had also said the duty of the committee was 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 members of this committee have been selected with meticulous care by the house leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest,” Abbas said.
The speaker asked members of the committee to carry out the 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,” he told the panel members,” he said.
“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,” the speaker had said.
