Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has described the situation in the state as relatively calm but still fragile, noting the need for caution in managing the transition period.
Speaking during a meeting on Friday with the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas acknowledged the committee’s critical role and expressed regret for not honoring earlier invitations.
He clarified that his absence was not out of disregard but was due to the pressing nature of his duties in stabilizing the state’s governance.
“I have great respect for the committee’s constitutional responsibility and appreciate your patience. My delay in meeting with you was not intended as a slight, but a reflection of the urgent demands we are grappling with,” he stated.
Ibas appealed for more time to compile and present a comprehensive report on the situation in the state, citing the complexity and sensitivity of the transitional period. He assured the committee of full cooperation and pledged to make all necessary documents and information available to aid their oversight mission.
The administrator also thanked the committee members for their dedication to national service and expressed appreciation to the media for supporting the federal government’s efforts in Rivers State.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, stressed the constitutional role of the National Assembly in legitimizing the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
He emphasized that the Assembly’s approval, as required under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is what gives legal effect to any such declaration.
“For the state of emergency to be valid, the gazette must be brought to the National Assembly. It is only after our approval that it takes effect. This is how central the legislature is to this entire process,” Ihonvbere said.
He also cited Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which grants the National Assembly the authority to assume legislative duties in a state where the House of Assembly is unable to function, including responsibilities such as budget approval.
The committee chairman noted that the meeting was convened at the administrator’s request, marking the first official engagement since the onset of the crisis.
He disclosed that several earlier attempts to engage Ibas, including formal correspondence, had been unsuccessful.
Reassuring the administrator, Ihonvbere said the committee was constituted with members drawn from various geopolitical zones and experienced legislators to ensure fairness and objectivity.
“We are here to support the restoration of order and democratic governance in Rivers. This committee is fully prepared to deliver on its mandate with fairness and diligence,” he said.
He described the administrator’s appearance as a positive step towards resolving the political situation in the state and expressed hope that the interaction would lead to a more collaborative process.
Following the engagement, Prof Ihonvbere announced that a new date for further deliberations would be communicated, adding that an official statement on the situation in Rivers would be issued by the House Spokesperson in due course.
