President Bola Tinubu’s sole Administrator for Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas Friday pleaded with National Assembly’s Ad-hoc Committee for additional time to adequately prepare a detailed briefing on the ongoing situation in the state, citing the fragile security and political environment under the current state of emergency.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves,” Ibas told the Reps .
Ibas expressed regret over his inability to appear before the committee on Thursday as earlier scheduled, explaining that the delay was not out of disrespect but due to urgent governance demands.
He requested the committee’s understanding and indulgence to allow more time for a comprehensive report.
“I deeply regret my inability to attend earlier engagements with this esteemed committee… Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in between we’ve had four days that were off calendar as public holidays plus the weekends inclusive,” he said.
Ibas stressed the complexity of managing the state’s affairs under emergency rule and reiterated his respect for the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities.
“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,” Ibas added.
According to him, while Rivers State is “relatively calm,” the situation remains “fragile” and requires delicate handling.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves,” the sole administrator said.
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