House of Reps Cautions Rivers Administrator on Lawmaking

Rivers Sole Administrator Lacks Authority to Make Laws

​The political landscape in Rivers State has been tumultuous, marked by significant developments involving the state’s governance structures and the federal government’s interventions.​

In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged governance crisis. This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.

This move sparked debates regarding its constitutionality. Opposition lawmakers, including Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, argued that the President lacked the authority to suspend democratically elected officials and appoint an administrator, labeling the decision as an unconstitutional overreach.

In the midst of these developments, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, enacted several laws without the assent of Governor Fubara. The Assembly cited Section 100(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the House to override the Governor’s veto with a two-thirds majority, making the bills law without the Governor’s approval. This action further intensified the political crisis in the state.

The House of Representatives has been embroiled in heated debates over these issues. While some members support the President’s declaration of emergency rule as a necessary step to restore order, others view it as a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic institutions. The debates have been intense, reflecting deep divisions among lawmakers regarding the appropriate course of action in Rivers State. ​