‘Rivers situation complex’: Ibas requests more time to brief Reps panel

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has requested for more time from the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers States to properly brief the lawmakers on the developments in the state.

Ibas made the request at a meeting with the committee in Abuja on Friday, April 25, 2025, after failing to appear before the committee on Thursday April 17 and 24.

Ibas who expressed regret for his inability to attend earlier engagements said the absence was not out of disregard, but due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in Rivers State.

He said: “I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard. 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.

“That said, I only request the understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing. Given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in Rivers State.

“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.

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“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work.”

Addressing newsmen after the closed door meeting, the chairman of the committee, Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), said the lawmakers resolved to give a new date to the sole administrator.

Ihonvbere stressed the constitutional role of the National Assembly in legitimising and overseeing the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, saying the federal legislature remains central to the state’s transitional process.

Ihonvbere reaffirmed the committee’s constitutional mandate and expressed satisfaction that the administrator had finally honored the invitation after earlier delays.

The lawmaker emphasised that the committee’s mandate was rooted in constitutional authority and that some of its terms had already been communicated to the administrator in an earlier letter.

The chairman urged Ibas to feel at ease, stressing that the committee members were carefully selected to ensure broad representation across geopolitical zones and legislative experience.

The Star