By Gloria Ikibah
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appealed to the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight for more time to adequately prepare a comprehensive briefing on the current state of affairs in the state. 
Speaking during an interactive session with the committee at the National Assembly complex on Thursday, Ibas expressed regret for his inability to honour the committee’s earlier invitations, citing the pressing demands of stabilizing a state under emergency as the primary reason.
“Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in between, we’ve had four days that were public holidays, plus the weekends. The absence, of course, was not out of disregard, but due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilizing governance,” he said.
Vice Admiral Ibas acknowledged the vital role of the National Assembly and commended the committee for its commitment to upholding the nation’s democratic and constitutional framework. He described his appearance before the lawmakers as both an honour and a solemn responsibility.
While noting that the situation in Rivers State is currently calm but fragile, he stressed the need for careful and thorough engagement with the committee, particularly given the complexities surrounding the state’s transitional period.
“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,” Ibas said.
The retired naval chief reaffirmed his full commitment to cooperating with the committee and assured members that all relevant information would be made available in due course to support their oversight function.
He also extended appreciation to the press for their role in supporting the federal government’s efforts in the state, concluding with a message of gratitude to the lawmakers for their continued service to the nation.
The House Ad-Hoc Committee was set up to monitor developments in Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency amidst political unrest and governance challenges.
Earlier in the session, the Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, highlighted the crucial role of the National Assembly in legitimizing and monitoring the emergency administration currently in place in Rivers State.
He pointed out that the federal legislature is not just a bystander but a key actor in guiding the state’s transition during this period.
Prof Ihonvbere welcomed the eventual appearance of the state’s administrator, noting it as a positive development following previous missed appointments. He stated that the committee had already outlined some of its expectations in earlier correspondence with the administrator.
Referring to provisions in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he clarified that while the President holds the authority to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, such a decision cannot stand without the formal approval of the National Assembly.
“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 further referenced Section 11(4) of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of a state assembly when it is unable to function.
“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.
Prof Ihonvbere took a moment to shed light on the committee’s earlier efforts to establish communication with the Rivers State administrator at the onset of the crisis.
He explained that although several attempts had been made including formal letters securing the administrator’s presence had taken time.
The Chairman urged the administrator to engage freely, and noted that the committee was made up of carefully chosen members drawn from diverse geopolitical backgrounds and with solid legislative experience.
“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 State needs to make in order to be part and parcel of the holistic structure of democracy that Nigeria represents today,” he said.
He reiterated the committee’s readiness to discharge its duties with diligence and fairness in the interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
“We have demonstrated again and again our preparedness to do this job efficiently and effectively,” he assured.
Prof Ihonvbere acknowledged that the meeting was held at the administrator’s request and expressed optimism that it would mark the beginning of a collaborative process toward restoring stability in the state.
“We are glad you are here as you promised yesterday. This meeting actually at this time was at your instance, and we are happy that you are here. So you are welcome,” he said.
