Rivers sole administrator Ibas finally appears before Reps committee, seeks new date for briefing

After missing two prior invitations, 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 ongoing state of emergency in the state.

Ibas appeared before the committee at the National Assembly on Friday, where he addressed lawmakers led by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. The brief opening session, which later moved behind closed doors, offered Ibas an opportunity to express gratitude to the panel for their commitment to democratic governance.

The retired naval chief explained his earlier absences, citing the difficulties of managing a state under emergency conditions, further complicated by public holidays and weekend schedules. He emphasized that his failure to attend previous sessions was not deliberate.

Ibas also requested a new date for a more comprehensive engagement with the committee, signaling his readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation.

“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.