…Appeals For More Time
By: Barikui Felix
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Rivers State’s sole administrator, has asked the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight for more time to brief them, arguing that even though the state has been relatively calm, it is still fragile.
According to him, the state’s situation is still extremely precarious and needs to be handled carefully.
Ibas, who spoke before the committee on Friday, acknowledged the committee’s critical role in preserving the country’s democratic and constitutional integrity.
While expressing regret for his inability to attend earlier committee meetings, the sole administrator expressed his willingness to cooperate with the committee.
Ibas clarified that his absence was not intended to be disrespectful to the committee, but rather to meet the pressing and urgent needs of stabilising governance in a deeply troubled environment.
“Today is exactly ten days after the first invitation, and in between we’ve had four days that were off calendar as public holidays, plus the weekends inclusive.”The absence, of course, was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilizing governance in a state under a declared emergency,” Ibas explained.
He praised the committee’s efforts to ensure accountability and effective oversight during the state’s current transition, by saying, “I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard. I recognize the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers State,”.
However, he emphasized that despite the return of some degree of calm, the state remains in a fragile condition, stressing the need for careful and measured interventions.
“Rivers State is presently relatively calm, but still fragile.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,” he said.
Ibas explained that the complexities and sensitivities surrounding Rivers’ transitional period necessitated a cautious and thorough approach to all details.
“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,” he explained.
He assured the committee of his full cooperation and promised to make available all relevant information required to assist the committee with their assignment in due course.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee Prof Julius Ihonvbere emphasized the National Assembly’s constitutional role in legitimizing and overseeing the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
He reaffirmed the committee’s constitutional mandate and expressed satisfaction that the administrator had finally accepted the invitation following earlier delays.
He emphasized that the committee’s mandate was based on constitutional authority and that some of its terms had already been communicated to the administrator in a previous correspondence.
Citing relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Ihonvbere reminded the administrator that the power to declare a state of emergency under Section 305 resides with the President but that the National Assembly must approve it before it becomes effective.
“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.
The chairman encouraged the administrator to feel at ease, stressing that the committee members had been carefully selected to ensure broad representation across geopolitical zones and legislative experience.
