ABUJA, Nigeria – Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has requested additional time to prepare for a comprehensive briefing before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in the state.
This came after his absence at a scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Ibas, who was invited to address the committee on governance in the state, had initially requested a rescheduling, with the meeting being moved to April 24.
However, he failed to attend the session on Thursday, leading to disappointment among committee members.
The committee was formed on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to ensure transparent governance and rule of law during the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers.
In his explanation to the House committee on Friday, April 25, 2025, Ibas apologized for his absence, attributing it to the urgent demands of stabilizing governance in Rivers, which has been under a declared state of emergency since Tuesday, March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis.
He clarified that the delay was not out of disregard for the National Assembly but was necessary due to the complexities of the situation in the state.
“I have always held the national assembly in the highest regard,” Ibas said.
“I recognize the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers state, which is presently relatively calm but still fragile.”
Ibas, who had been appointed by President Bola Tinubu after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the dissolution of the Rivers Assembly, expressed his commitment to providing the committee with a detailed briefing once he had adequate time to prepare.
He requested understanding from the committee to allow him more time to ensure that the engagement would be comprehensive, accurate, and thorough.
The committee, led by Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House Committee, accepted Ibas’ apology.
A statement issued by Ihonvbere confirmed that the committee recognized the Sole Administrator’s respect and responsibility and would proceed with rescheduling the meeting.
The committee emphasized that they would continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of the rule of law.
“Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to proceed with the rescheduled engagement on a date and time to be announced in due course,” the statement read.
