The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appealed to the Ad-hoc Committee of the National Assembly for additional time to prepare a detailed and comprehensive briefing on the unfolding situation in the state, citing the delicate political atmosphere and security concerns under the ongoing state of emergency.
Ibas made this appeal on Friday during an appearance before the committee in Abuja. In his opening remarks, he acknowledged the critical oversight role of the committee in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic structures and expressed appreciation for the lawmakers’ patience.
“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.
Addressing concerns over his earlier absence from committee proceedings, Ibas expressed deep regret, explaining that his failure to honour previous invitations was not due to disrespect, but rather the demands of managing a volatile situation on the ground.
“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 noted.
He further emphasised that his absence should be understood within the context of his pressing responsibilities in a state currently under emergency governance.
“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.
While noting that Rivers State is “relatively calm,” Ibas cautioned that the peace remains fragile and requires cautious and well-considered interventions. He urged the committee to grant him more time to prepare a thorough report.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves,” he stressed.
Reiterating his willingness to work transparently with the lawmakers, Ibas pledged full cooperation with the committee’s efforts and commended both the legislators and the media for their roles in supporting the federal government’s response to the crisis.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course. I want to specially thank Mr. Chairman and the distinguished honourable members of this committee. I also want to thank members of the press for the role they’ve played in supporting the efforts of the federal government,” he said.
The committee is expected to deliberate on the administrator’s request and determine its next course of action in relation to its oversight of the state’s transitional governance.
