Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, has
appealed for more time from the house of representatives ad hoc committee
overseeing the emergency rule in the state.
Ibas made the request on Friday when he appeared before the
committee.
On April 15, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house,
inaugurated the 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the
rule of law in the state.
A day after the committee was constituted, the lawmakers
invited the Rivers sole administrator to appear before them on April 17.
Ibas was to address the lawmakers on governance in the
state.
However, the sole administrator requested a rescheduling,
and the meeting was moved to April 24.
The committee members gathered in the meeting room on
Thursday, but Ibas did not show up.
Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee and leader of
the house, declined to speak on the situation.
“No comment,” he told journalists.
‘I RESPECT THE
N’ASSEMBLY’
Addressing the committee on Friday, Ibas apologised to the
lawmakers for not honouring previous invitations.
He requested additional time to prepare a “comprehensive and
constructive” briefing, citing the complexity of the situation in Rivers state.
“Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in
between, we’ve had four days off the calendar as public holidays plus the
weekends inclusive,” he said.
“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.
“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 Rivers state, which is presently
relatively calm, but still fragile.
“That said, 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.
“Given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the
current transitional period in Rivers state, it is important that any
engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it
rightfully deserves.”
Ibas said he will cooperate with the committee to ensure
that all relevant information is available in due course.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Ihonvbere said the
committee has accepted Ibas’ apology and would reschedule the briefing.
“The Committee notes that the Administrator, in a
correspondence received last night, expressed his regrets for not honouring
earlier invitations and appeared in person today to offer a formal apology,”
the statement reads.
“He also requested an opportunity to return for a more
robust and comprehensive engagement with the Committee.
“In keeping with the House’s tradition of fairness, and in
recognition of the Administrator’s demonstration of respect and responsibility,
the Committee has magnanimously accepted his apology.
“Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to proceed with the
rescheduled engagement on a date and time to be announced in due course.”
Ihonvbere added that the committee needs the cooperation of
all stakeholders and remains open to constructive engagement in line with the
principles of accountability and the rule of law.
BACKGROUND
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of
emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.
He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state;
his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of
six months.
The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the
state’s sole administrator.
After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political
officeholders appointed by Fubara.
Several stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum
(PANDEF), have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state’s affairs.
There have been protests in the state demanding the
reinstatement of Fubara.
Fubara reportedly met with Tinubu in London last week as
part of moves to resolve the political crisis in the state.
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