The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has finally met with the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Ibas, who had missed two earlier invitations, appeared before the lawmakers at the National Assembly on Friday and requested a fresh date for a more detailed briefing.
Before the session moved behind closed doors, Ibas addressed the committee led by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. He began by expressing appreciation for the panel’s efforts in upholding democratic principles and offered an explanation for his previous absences.
He said the earlier non-appearances were not intentional but resulted from the challenges of administering a state under emergency, compounded by the timing of public holidays and weekends.
“The absence, of course, was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in a state under a declared emergency,” Ibas stated.
He noted that while the security and political atmosphere in Rivers had improved, it remained fragile, necessitating a well-prepared and comprehensive engagement with the committee.
“The situation in Rivers State was relatively calm, but still fragile,” he said, while requesting more time to properly brief the panel.
Following the meeting, the committee issued a statement acknowledging Ibas’s apology and confirming that a new date would be set for the postponed engagement.
“The Committee has magnanimously accepted his apology,” the statement read, adding that Ibas had earlier sent a formal letter of regret and had shown “respect and responsibility” by attending the session in person.
The committee also reiterated its resolve to carry out its assignment objectively and within the bounds of its constitutional duties, citing Sections 11(4) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution. It called on all stakeholders to remain cooperative and supportive of the inquiry, stressing the importance of democratic governance and national stability