Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), on Friday, April 25, described the current peace in the state as fragile, warning that the political transition requires careful handling to prevent a relapse into chaos.
Speaking during a meeting with the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight in Abuja, Ibas assured lawmakers of his readiness to cooperate fully with their oversight mission.
“Rivers State is presently relatively calm, but still fragile,” he said, noting that while some order had returned, the situation remained delicate.
He apologised for failing to appear before the committee earlier, explaining that the decision was not deliberate but the result of urgent governance demands under a state of emergency.
“Today is exactly ten 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 said.
“The absence, of course, was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilizing governance in a state under a declared emergency.”
Ibas praised the committee’s role in preserving Nigeria’s constitutional integrity and urged patience as his office prepares a detailed report on the state’s affairs.
“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,” he said.
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He added, “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.”
The former naval chief pledged total transparency moving forward. “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,” he stated.
He closed by thanking both the lawmakers and the media, saying, “I appreciate members of the press for their ongoing role in supporting the federal government’s efforts in Rivers State.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, reiterated that the National Assembly plays a central role in legitimising any state of emergency.
“For that state of emergency, the gazette must be sent to the National Assembly for approval. It’s only that approval that gives life to the state of emergency. I repeat that so that you know how critical the National Assembly is to that process,” he said.
He also cited Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the federal legislature to take over legislative duties of a non-functioning state assembly.
“That also means that all functions of the state House of Assembly, including budget approval, must come to the National Assembly and, by implication, this very committee,” he explained.
Ihonvbere noted that efforts had been made earlier to reach the administrator but were delayed. He assured Ibas that the committee was composed of members with diverse experience and regional representation.
He said a new date for another meeting would be announced soon, while the House spokesman would issue an update on the Rivers situation.