The House of Representatives has reminded Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), that he lacks the constitutional authority to enact laws for the governance of the oil-rich state. This reminder comes in response to Ibas’ intention to introduce a new budget, following the declaration of a state of emergency in March. Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, House Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese revealed that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is in talks with House leadership to establish a committee to oversee Admiral Ibas’ activities. He said, “The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances. The Speaker of the House is consulting with the leadership to establish a committee to oversee the administrator’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented. “We assume that the President has been informed of our resolution regarding the administrator’s appointment and mandate. Should the administrator exceed his authority, the House will take necessary actions, including the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to ensure accountability and adherence to the rule of law.” President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March, following a political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly. The move saw the suspension of both the governor and the legislature for an initial six-month period. In Governor Fubara’s stead, Tinubu appointed Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), who, just last week, announced his intention to draft a new budget to manage the affairs of the state over the next six months.