The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State has convened a closed-door meeting with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas. This meeting comes after several delays and signals the lawmakers’ determination to assume their constitutional right to oversee the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibas, who was appointed as Sole Administrator by President Bola Tinubu, spoke at the beginning of the meeting. He offered an apology for his absence at the previous session, citing the need for more time to adequately prepare his briefing for the committee.
“I am still settling into my new role and I ask for the committee’s understanding as I gather the necessary information for the discussion,” Ibas noted. He reassured the committee of his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities, despite the ongoing transition into his position.
Following his remarks, the meeting transitioned to a closed session, with journalists asked to leave the premises. The nature of the discussions in the closed-door session remains undisclosed, but it is expected to address key issues surrounding the governance of Rivers State.
Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This emergency rule was put in place after political tensions between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, reached a boiling point. The conflict resulted in President Tinubu suspending Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
