The Sole of Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), on Thursday, appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the State of Emergency in the state and formally requested a new date for a more comprehensive engagement with the panel.
Daily Trust reports that Ibas had failed to appear before the committee on two consecutive occasions.
Addressing the lawmakers at the National Assembly on Friday before the meeting went into closed doors, Ibas expressed gratitude to the committee, chaired by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and acknowledged the critical role it plays in safeguarding democratic and constitutional values.
He apologised for his earlier absence, attributing it to pressing governance matters in the state under emergency rule and the impact of public holidays and weekends within the invitation timeline.
Ibas said, “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.”
He added that the situation in Rivers State was “relatively calm, but still fragile,” and requested more time to adequately prepare a detailed and constructive briefing for the committee.
The ad-hoc committee’s chairman in a press statement released after a closed door meeting with Ibas, acknowledged the Sole Administrator’s appearance and accepted his apology.
He noted that the administrator had sent a letter of regret the night before and had demonstrated “respect and responsibility” by showing up in person.
“The Committee has magnanimously accepted his apology,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to proceed with the rescheduled engagement on a date and time to be announced in due course.”
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality and diligence in line with its constitutional mandate under Sections 11(4) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution, urging all stakeholders to continue supporting the process in the interest of democratic governance and national stability.
Daily Trust
