In order to adequately update the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers on the state’s developments, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of rivers, has asked for further time.
At a meeting with the committee in Abuja on Friday, he made the request after not showing up in front of the committee on Thursday, April 17 and 24.
Ibas apologised for being unable to attend previous events, explaining that the gravity of the pressing need to stabilise Rivers’ administration was the reason for his absence.
“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 River, which is presently relatively calm, but still fragile.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy, and clarity it rightfully deserves.
“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 said.
“I only request the 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.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy, and clarity it rightfully deserves.
“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 said.
Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), the committee’s chairman, told reporters during a private meeting that the committee decided to provide the single administrator with a new date.
Ihonvbere emphasised the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to legitimise and supervise the declared state of emergency in Rivers.
The chairman says that the federal legislature continues to play a crucial role in the state’s transformation.
Ihonvbere expressed happiness that the administrator had finally accepted the invitation following previous delays and reiterated the committee’s constitutional duty.
He highlighted that some of the committee’s parameters had previously been explained to the administrator in a previous letter and that the committee’s mission was based on constitutional authority.
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By emphasising that the committee members had been carefully chosen to ensure wide representation across geopolitical zones and legislative experience, the chairman urged the administrator to relax.
“I want you to feel relaxed because the members you see here were carefully selected based on zonal representation and membership of the House to advance the progress that Rivers needs to make to be part and parcel of the holistic structure of democracy that Nigeria represents today.
“We have demonstrated again and again our preparedness to do this job efficiently and effectively,” he assured.
