The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has requested additional time to properly brief the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on the state’s situation.
Ibas made the request on Friday during a meeting with the committee in Abuja, following his absence at previously scheduled sessions on April 17 and April 24.
Expressing regret over his earlier non-appearance, the retired naval chief clarified that his absence was not out of disregard for the legislature, but due to the pressing task of stabilising governance in Rivers amid the ongoing transitional phase.
“I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard,” Ibas said. “I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers, which is presently relatively calm but still fragile.”
He emphasised that any engagement with the committee must be thorough, accurate, and clear, given the complexity of the situation on the ground.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work,” he added.
Ibas appealed for more time to adequately prepare a comprehensive and constructive briefing that reflects the sensitivities surrounding the state’s transition.
Following a closed-door meeting, the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), confirmed that the committee had resolved to reschedule the briefing.
He reiterated the National Assembly’s constitutional role in overseeing the emergency rule in Rivers and underscored the legislature’s centrality to the transitional process.
“The federal legislature remains pivotal in legitimising and monitoring the developments under the emergency declaration in Rivers,” Ihonvbere stated.
He also expressed satisfaction that Ibas had eventually honoured the invitation and assured the administrator of the committee’s readiness to engage constructively.
“I want you to feel relaxed,” Ihonvbere said. “The members here have been carefully selected based on geopolitical representation and legislative experience to advance the progress Rivers State needs to become fully integrated into Nigeria’s democratic framework.”
“We have demonstrated time and again our commitment to performing our oversight duties efficiently and effectively,” he added.
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