The Nigerian Senate has set up an 18-member committee to provide legislative oversight on the activities of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the formation of the committee on Tuesday during the resumption of plenary. According to Akpabio, the committee was established to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the state’s administration.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was named chairman of the committee, which is expected to begin its oversight duties immediately. Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the assignment, urging committee members to act swiftly and responsibly.
“This committee is essential in ensuring the Senate fulfils its constitutional duty of legislative oversight, particularly in a sensitive state like Rivers,” Akpabio said, adding that the committee’s composition might be reviewed after further consultations.
The committee comprises senators from across party lines and geopolitical zones, including Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed of the APC representing Jigawa.
Also included is the Clerk of the Senate, who will coordinate administrative support for the committee.
The development comes amid rising political tensions and governance challenges in Rivers State, with civil society groups and political stakeholders closely monitoring the administrator’s actions. The Senate’s move is seen as a proactive effort to reinforce democratic accountability and prevent executive overreach in the state.
Akpabio reaffirmed the upper chamber’s dedication to preserving constitutional order, saying the oversight would serve the best interests of Rivers residents and the federation as a whole.
