Details have emerged from the closed-door session between the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the State of Emergency in Rivers State and the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), as the panel prepares for further legislative action.
The retired naval officer appeared before the committee on Friday, following earlier absences.
It has been disclosed that Mr Ibas submitted a formal letter of apology the night before the meeting and personally expressed regret over his failure to honour previous invitations.
“Mr. Chairman, please permit me to begin by respectfully acknowledging your leadership and the critical role of this committee in safeguarding the democratic and constitutional integrity of our great nation,” Ibas stated during the session.
“I deeply regret my inability to attend earlier engagements with this esteemed committee… Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in between we’ve had four days that were off calendar as public holidays, plus the weekends inclusive,” he explained.
Clarifying the reason for his absence, he noted, “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.”
While acknowledging that the atmosphere in Rivers State is “relatively calm,” the Sole Administrator stressed that the situation remains “fragile” and must be approached with caution.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves,” he added, requesting more time to prepare a thorough report for lawmakers.
In a statement issued after the session, Committee Chairman and House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, described Ibas’s appearance and apology as an act of “respect and responsibility.”
He added, “In line with the House’s tradition of fairness, the apology was magnanimously accepted.”
The committee has resolved to reconvene at a later date for a more in-depth interaction with the Sole Administrator. The new date, he said, will be communicated 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 statement read.
Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in March following the controversial suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.