Port Harcourt, A Senior Special Assistant on Media to Mr. Joseph Ibas has described the Rivers State House of Assembly’s proposed probe into the tenure of the former state administrator as a “fool’s errand,” questioning both the jurisdiction and rationale behind the planned investigation.
Mr. Hector Igbikiowubu, spokesperson for Ibas, said while the Assembly is free to resume its oversight functions following a long legislative break, its attempt to probe the administrator’s actions lacks constitutional grounding.
“Commentary is free, and no one can stop lawmakers from making efforts to perform their roles,” Igbikiowubu said. “But when you say you’re going to probe the tenure of the administrator, was it the Assembly that appointed him?”
He emphasized that the former administrator was appointed by the President and functioned under the supervision of the National Assembly—not the state legislature.
“If you didn’t appoint the administrator, it goes to reason that you have certain limitations,” he added. “Probing him means you’re not just probing the administrator, but also the authority that appointed and oversaw him—the Presidency and the National Assembly.”
Igbikiowubu concluded by wishing the Assembly “good luck” but described their intended action as essentially chasing shadows.
“You and I know that such an enterprise amounts to a fool’s errand,” he said, echoing a dismissive tone that has sparked political reactions across the state.
The statement came in response to Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s indication that the Rivers Assembly would investigate decisions taken during the administrator-led interim government, following months of political turbulence in the state.
