After weeks of public outcry and mounting political tension, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the controversial Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has finally appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee probing the emergency rule imposed on the oil-rich state.
Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the unprecedented March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, made his long-awaited appearance before lawmakers on Friday. The retired naval chief had previously failed to honour two consecutive invitations from the committee, a move that drew sharp criticism from political stakeholders and civil society groups.
Facing the committee chaired by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Ibas formally requested a new date for a more detailed engagement. He began his brief remarks by tendering a public apology for his earlier absence, attributing it to pressing state matters and the constraints posed by public holidays and weekends within the timeline of the committee’s summons.
“I wish to express my deepest apologies for my earlier absence. It was never intended as a sign of disregard for this esteemed committee but rather due to the demands of governance during this extraordinary period,” Ibas stated, striking a conciliatory tone.
In a press statement issued after a closed-door session with the administrator, the committee acknowledged his apology and commended his eventual appearance, describing it as “a mark of responsibility and respect for democratic processes.”
“The Committee has magnanimously accepted his apology,” the statement read. “Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to proceed with the rescheduled engagement on a date and time to be communicated in due course.”
Reaffirming its neutrality and dedication to upholding constitutional order, the panel reiterated its commitment to the mandates vested under Sections 11(4) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution. It also urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in supporting democratic governance amid the unfolding crisis in Rivers State.
Ibas’s appearance before the panel followed his first participation in the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday—marking a notable step in his controversial tenure as the sole authority in the state.
President Tinubu’s March 18 emergency declaration, citing spiralling political instability and growing insecurity in Rivers, led to the dramatic suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
The decision, which shocked the nation, saw Ibas—a seasoned military officer who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021—appointed to administer the state under emergency rule. While the judiciary continues to function, Ibas has been authorized to issue administrative regulations, subject to Federal Executive Council approval, but cannot enact new laws.
The move has triggered a storm of legal battles and constitutional debates across the country, with many questioning the legality and democratic implications of the sweeping federal intervention.
As the dust settles on his apology, all eyes are now on the next phase of the committee’s engagement—a process many hope will shed more light on the true state of affairs in Rivers and the constitutional boundaries of executive power in Nigeria’s democracy.
PIONEER NEWS 