The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has appealed to the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the State of Emergency in Rivers State for more time to adequately prepare and deliver a detailed and constructive briefing.
Speaking during his appearance before the committee in Abuja, Ibas explained that due to the complexities and sensitivities of the ongoing transitional phase in the state, any engagement must be undertaken with the necessary depth, accuracy, and clarity.
He expressed regret over his earlier inability to appear before the committee, citing the demands of stabilising governance in the state under the declared emergency. He extended his apologies and reaffirmed his respect for the committee’s constitutional oversight role.
“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 said.
He also thanked the committee for its understanding and acknowledged the role of the media in supporting the Federal Government’s efforts.
“Today marks exactly ten days since the first invitation. Within this period, four days were observed as public holidays, not including weekends. My absence was not out of disregard but rather a result of the pressing and weighty responsibility of stabilising a state under emergency,” he explained.
Ibas reiterated his high regard for the National Assembly and its oversight duties, adding that while Rivers State is currently relatively calm, the situation remains delicate.
In response, the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee and House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, acknowledged the administrator’s appearance and his written apology submitted the previous evening. The committee, he noted, had accepted the apology in the spirit of fairness and responsibility.
“We appreciate your presence and the respect you’ve shown to this committee. Your appearance today, as requested, is noted and welcomed,” Ihonvbere said.
He reaffirmed the committee’s constitutional mandate and expressed confidence in the collaborative process moving forward. The committee, he added, would reconvene on a new date to be communicated in due course.
“The committee remains committed to discharging its constitutional responsibilities under Sections 11(4) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) with diligence, neutrality, and in the national interest,” he said.
Professor Ihonvbere reminded the administrator that, under Section 305 of the Constitution, the President may declare a state of emergency, but such a declaration requires National Assembly approval to become effective.
“For a state of emergency to take effect, the gazette must be forwarded to the National Assembly. Only upon approval does it become legally binding,” he emphasised.
He further cited Section 11(4), which empowers the National Assembly to assume the legislative functions of a state assembly when it is unable to function—effectively transferring responsibilities such as budget approvals to the federal legislature and, by extension, the ad hoc committee.
The chairman clarified that the committee had made multiple attempts, including written invitations, to engage with the administrator before the meeting. He encouraged Ibas to feel at ease, noting that the committee’s membership was drawn to reflect national diversity and legislative experience.
“We want you to be comfortable here. The members of this committee were deliberately selected to represent different geopolitical zones and bring varied expertise to help restore normalcy in Rivers State,” he said.
Ihonvbere reiterated the committee’s readiness to carry out its duties with diligence and fairness in the interest of both Rivers State and the country as a whole.
“This committee has consistently demonstrated its preparedness to perform its duties with professionalism,” he added.
He acknowledged that the current meeting was convened at the administrator’s request and expressed hope that it would mark the start of meaningful cooperation.
“We are pleased you’ve kept your word to appear today. This engagement was at your instance, and we are glad to receive you,” he concluded.
It may be recalled that the Sole Administrator had previously failed to honour two invitations from the committee.
