The sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has finally appeared before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in the state.
The meeting held behind closed doors on Friday.
On April 15, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated a 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the state.
Following its inauguration, the committee was constituted and the lawmakers invited Ibas to appear before it on April 17 to address the lawmakers on governance in the state.
However, the sole administrator requested a rescheduling, and the meeting was moved to April 24.
He, however, appeared before the committee on Friday, but requested for more time to enable him properly brief the committee on developments in the state.
Ibas who expressed regret for his inability to attend earlier engagements, explained that the absence was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in Rivers.
“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 River, 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 River.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work,” he said.
“I only request the 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.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work,” he said.
Addressing newsmen after the close door meeting, Chairman of the Committee, Julius Ihonvbere said that the committee resolved to give a new date to the sole administrator.
Ihonvbere, underscored the constitutional role of the National Assembly in legitimising and overseeing the state of emergency declared in Rivers.
