Rivers Assembly’s Planned Probe of Immediate Past State Administrator Is a “Fool’s Errand” — SSA Media to Ibas, Mr. Hector Igbikiowubu Tells Speaker Martin’s Amaewhule

The Senior Special Assistant on Media to Ibas, Mr. Hector Igbikiowubu, has described the attempt by the State House of Assembly to probe the immediate past administrator of the state as a misplaced effort, insisting that such a move would be nothing short of a “fool’s errand.”

According to him, while the lawmakers have resumed plenary after a long recess and may seek to demonstrate legislative authority by investigating past governance, the jurisdiction of their powers does not extend to the office of the administrator, who was neither appointed by the state assembly nor answerable to them.

“When you say they were going to probe the tenure of the administrator, was it the Assembly that appointed the administrator?” he asked, stressing that the appointment of the administrator came directly from the President and not from the state legislature.

“You see, the point to note is that commentary is free. You can’t stop people from running commentary. The House of Assembly has been on break for a very long time, and you will appreciate that they have not been able to discharge their functions for such a long time,” Igbikiowubu stated.

He further explained that while lawmakers may exercise their oversight function, they must recognize their constitutional limitations. 

“Now that they have resumed, they have to make an effort to carry out their functions. So, it will seem their right to probe what has gone wrong in the state. 

“Nobody can stop the lawmakers from carrying out a probe of what they perceive to be their functions within the state.

“But like I asked earlier, were they the ones that appointed the administrator? So, if you didn’t appoint the administrator, it goes to reason that you have certain limitations. When you also realise that the administrator was appointed by the President, it goes without reason that the administrator acted for and on behalf of the President.”

The SSA Media also reminded that the activities of the administrator were not only guided by the Presidency but also subject to legislative oversight by the National Assembly. 

“When you also reason that the administrator was supervised by the National Assembly, it goes without reason that when you decide to probe the administrator, you’re invariably saying that you will be probing the administrator and the National Assembly.”

Igbikiowubu concluded by questioning the wisdom of the planned exercise, suggesting that it would not yield any meaningful outcome. 

“So, I wish them good luck with their plan and their probe. But you and I know that such an enterprise amounts to a fool’s errand.”