Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, has asked the house of representatives ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in the state for more time.
Ibas made this request on Friday when he appeared before the committee.
On April 15, Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the house, inaugurated the 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the state.
A day after the committee was formed, the lawmakers invited the Rivers sole administrator to appear before them on April 17.
Ibas was scheduled to address the lawmakers on governance in the state.
However, the sole administrator requested a rescheduling, and the meeting was moved to April 24.
The committee members met in the meeting room on Thursday, but Ibas did not attend.
Julius Ihonvbere, the chairman of the committee and leader of the house, declined to comment on the situation, simply stating, “No comment,” to journalists.
Addressing the committee on Friday, Ibas apologised to the lawmakers for not attending previous invitations.
He requested additional time to prepare a “comprehensive and constructive” briefing, citing the complexity of the situation in Rivers state.
“Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in between, we’ve had four days off the calendar as public holidays plus the weekends inclusive,” he 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.”
“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.”
Ibas stated that he will cooperate with the committee to ensure that all relevant information is available in due course.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Ihonvbere said the committee has accepted Ibas’ apology and would reschedule the briefing.
“The Committee notes that the Administrator, in a correspondence received last night, expressed his regrets for not honouring earlier invitations and appeared in person today to offer a formal apology,” the statement reads.
“He also requested an opportunity to return for a more robust and comprehensive engagement with the Committee.”
“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.”
Ihonvbere added that the committee needs the cooperation of all stakeholders and remains open to constructive engagement in line with the principles of accountability and the rule of law.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.
He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.
Several stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state’s affairs.
There have been protests in the state demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.
Fubara reportedly met with Tinubu in London last week as part of moves to resolve the political crisis in the state.
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