Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has dismissed the State House of Assembly’s intention to investigate his sixadministrator-vice-admiral-ibas-probe/” title=”Tensions Rise in Rivers as Emergency Rule Ends: Call for … Intensifies Amid Vice Admiral Ibas's Deepening Probe”>-month administration as a futile endeavor.
Following the cessation of the emergency rule on September 17, which was imposed by President Bola Tinubu, Ibas declared that any such inquiry would be ineffective from the outset.
Last week, during the first legislative session after the emergency rule was lifted, House Speaker Martin Amaewhule announced plans to scrutinize the state’s financial activities over the past six months.
Nonetheless, in a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubu, the retired naval officer emphasized that the lawmakers do not possess the authority to conduct an investigation into his tenure.
Ibas highlighted that the assembly was not responsible for his appointment as the state administrator.
He further accused the legislators of merely seeking public attention, having been inactive in legislative duties throughout his administration.
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He remarked: “If the Assembly did not appoint the administrator, on what basis do they intend to investigate the tenure?
“It is important to recognize that while public commentary is unrestricted, the House of Assembly has been on recess for an extended period and was unable to perform its legislative responsibilities during that time.
“Now that they have reconvened, they feel compelled to demonstrate their role, which includes probing perceived issues within the state. No one can prevent them from undertaking investigations they believe fall within their mandate.
“However, since they did not appoint the administrator, their jurisdiction is limited. The administrator was appointed by the President and acted as his representative.
“Moreover, the administrator was accountable to the National Assembly. Therefore, investigating the administrator effectively means scrutinizing both the administrator and the National Assembly.
“I wish them success in their efforts, but it is clear to me that this investigation is destined to be a pointless exercise.”
