House Of Reps To Ibas: No! You Have No Right!!
• We may pass a vote of no confidence if…
By PHC Telegraph
House of Representatives in session.The lower chamber of the National Assembly has warned the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), to resist the urge to make laws.
The House of Representatives which reacted to moves by Ibas to draw up a budget said the retired Admiral has no constitutional mandate whatsoever to make laws.
It said the former military man who came on board in March must operate within the rule of law or face the wrath of the National Assembly.
Chatting with a newspaper reporter on Sunday, Rep Philip Agbese who doubles as the deputy spokesman of the Green Chamber declared:
“The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances.
Admiral Ekwe Ibas, Rivers State Sole Administrator.“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.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency following differences between the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Tinubu went completely outside the prescription of the Nigerian Constitution to suspend the governor and the state legislature for an “initial period of six months”.
Exchanging views with members of a delegation of the Rivers State National Assembly caucus, the Sole Administrator spoke of his resolve to draw up a state budget.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara… suspended but not out.As he put it, “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development.”
He disclosed that his administration is working “diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly, expedited”.
“Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens”, he further told members of the caucus
He added, “The budget, which is being finalised, focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.”