Friday, April 25, 2025 - The Sole Administrator of Rivers
State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), on Friday, April 25, met with the
House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the State’s oversight after his
inability to honour the panel’s earlier invitation for two consecutive times.
Ibas apologised for his absence when he was earlier invited
and dismissed claims that he was ignoring the committee. He said his absence
was due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in a state
under emergency rule.
Ibas said he was fully committed to cooperating with the
committee and ensuring that all relevant information was made available in due
course to support its important work.“I deeply regret my inability to attend
earlier engagements with this esteemed committee, like you rightly said. Today
is exactly
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. I have always held the National Assembly in the
highest regard. I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities
and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers State, which is
presently relatively calm, but still fragile.
That said, I only request your understanding and the
indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare
and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing. Given the complexities
and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in Rivers State,
it is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth,
accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.
I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee
and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course
to support your important work. I want to specially thank Mr. Chairman and the
distinguished honourable members of this committee for your understanding and
continued service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ibas said.
Consequently, the committee led by the House Leader, Hon.
Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), accepted the Sole Administrator’s apology and
granted his request for the rescheduling of the meeting to enable him to
prepare adequately for the briefing.
“In keeping with the House’s tradition of fairness, and in
recognition of the Administrator’s demonstration of respect and responsibility,
the committee has magnanimously accepted his apology.
Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to proceed with the
rescheduled engagement on a date and time to be announced in due course.
The Committee reiterates its commitment to discharging its
constitutional mandate under Sections 11(4) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution (as
amended) with diligence, impartiality, and in the best interest of democratic
governance and national stability.
The cooperation of all stakeholders in this process is
crucial, and the Committee remains open to constructive engagement in line with
the principles of accountability and the rule of law,” Hon. Ihonvbere stated at
the end of the closed-door meeting.
0 Comments