Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has requested additional time from the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee to provide a comprehensive briefing on the state’s current situation. This request was made during a closed-door meeting with the committee in Abuja on Friday, April 25, 2025. Ibas expressed regret for his previous absences from scheduled sessions on April 17 and 24, attributing them to the complexities of the transitional period in Rivers State.
The committee was established following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. In response, the House of Representatives inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee to oversee legislative functions in the state .
Ibas emphasized the importance of transparency and accuracy in the forthcoming briefing, stating that any engagement with the committee must reflect the complexities and sensitivities of the current transitional period. He assured the committee of his full cooperation and commitment to providing all relevant information to support their oversight responsibilities.
This development comes amid growing concerns from various stakeholders. A coalition of 35 Civil Society Organizations in Rivers State recently petitioned the House of Representatives, accusing Ibas of “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity.” The petition alleges that Ibas has been using federal power and security operatives to intimidate public officers, suppress democratic institutions, and interfere with the proper functioning of government in the state .
The House of Representatives has recommended that Ibas report directly to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council, as initially stipulated by the President. This recommendation underscores the legislature’s role in overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the state of emergency .
The House Ad hoc Committee is expected to reschedule the interactive session with Ibas, aiming to ensure that the legislative oversight process is thorough and transparent. The public will be informed once a new date for the session is confirmed.