The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has asked the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers to grant him additional time to deliver a detailed briefing on the current situation in the state.
Ibas made the request on Friday during a meeting with the committee in Abuja, following his absence at earlier scheduled sessions on April 17 and 24.
Expressing regret for missing the prior engagements, Ibas explained that his absence was not due to disrespect, but because of the pressing demands involved in stabilizing governance in Rivers State.
“I have the highest respect for the National Assembly and fully acknowledge the importance of your oversight role,” he said. “Rivers is currently calm, though still fragile, and it’s important that any engagement with this committee is thorough and accurate.”
He pledged full cooperation with the committee and requested more time to prepare a comprehensive and constructive report, citing the sensitive nature of the state’s transitional period.
Following a closed-door meeting, Committee Chairman Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) announced that a new date would be set for the administrator to reappear.
Ihonvbere emphasized the National Assembly’s constitutional authority to oversee and legitimize the emergency governance structure in Rivers State, highlighting the legislature’s key role in the transition process.
“We’re glad the administrator has now responded to our invitation,” he said, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to its constitutional duties.
He also assured Ibas that the committee is composed of carefully selected members representing various regions and legislative experience, and that their goal is to help move Rivers State forward within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
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