The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on the Oversight of the Administrator of Rivers State has commended the sole administrator, Ibok-Eket Ibas, for what it described as remarkable progress in stabilising the state during emergency rule, pledging its support for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.

The committee, led by House Leader and Chairman, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, was in Rivers State on a courtesy visit and inspection tour as part of its oversight mandate. 

Speaking during the visit on Thursday, Ihonvbere said the National Assembly was encouraged by the sole administrator’s achievements so far and remained committed to ensuring the return of democratic rule.

“We are hopeful about what the administrator has done so far. The House of Representatives is committed to seeing a smooth transition back to full democratic governance in Rivers State,” Ihonvbere said. 

The lawmakers inspected the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, where reconstruction works are ongoing to prepare the legislature for effective operations once the state returns to civilian leadership.

Ihonvbere noted that the quality and scope of the work showed readiness for a functional assembly in the post-emergency period.

Receiving the delegation, Ibas expressed appreciation for the National Assembly’s support and oversight role, which he said had bolstered his administration’s work. He stressed that restoring security had been a top priority and a significant success.

The administrator further disclosed that preparations for the conduct of local government elections were in full swing. The polls, scheduled for 30 August 2025, are aimed at reinstating democratic governance at the grassroots. 

He said the Rivers State Government had provided the necessary funding to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RVSIEC) to guarantee smooth and credible elections.

Ibas also briefed the committee on several projects being pursued under his administration. 

They include the reconstruction of the state House of Assembly complex, which he described as essential for restoring legislative work; the completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Port Harcourt, which will be handed over to the state Teaching Hospital to enhance healthcare delivery; and the long-delayed dualisation of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. 

On the latter, he revealed that N150 billion had already been paid for the project, yet no tangible work had commenced.

The committee expressed satisfaction with the administrator’s efforts and acknowledged the challenges of governing under emergency conditions. 

The committee embers urged that all key projects, particularly those affecting infrastructure and public services, be completed on schedule to consolidate gains made during the emergency period.

Ihonvbere assured Ibas that the House of Representatives would continue to monitor developments closely, provide legislative backing where needed, and work to ensure the transition back to democratic governance is smooth and timely.

Both sides agreed on the need for sustained collaboration between state and federal authorities to maintain peace, accelerate development and guarantee the restoration of democratic rule in the state.

The visit ended with an inspection of key project sites, during which committee members expressed optimism that the state was on the right path to stability and progress.

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