Rivers State ‘Still Fragile’ Despite Calm, Says Sole Administrator Ibas

Rivers State ‘Still Fragile’ Despite Calm, Says Sole Administrator Ibas

Despite signs of peace returning to Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), the Sole Administrator, has warned that the situation remains fragile and demands cautious management.

During a meeting with the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight on Friday, Ibas acknowledged the state’s tentative stability, emphasizing that the peace must not be taken for granted amid ongoing political transition.

Speaking to lawmakers, Ibas apologized for missing earlier engagements with the committee, citing urgent governance challenges in the state.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that his absence was not out of disrespect but due to the immediate demands of stabilizing the troubled state.

“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.

Ibas reaffirmed his respect for the National Assembly’s oversight role and expressed his commitment to cooperating fully with the committee.

“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,” he stated.

Still, he cautioned that the seeming calm should not be mistaken for long-term stability.

“Rivers State is presently relatively calm, but still fragile,” he warned.

Ibas requested more time to compile a detailed report on the state’s affairs and urged the committee to allow a thorough, accurate presentation.

“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.

“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 concluded by pledging continued cooperation with the committee:

“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.

Committee Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, underscored the National Assembly’s constitutional mandate in legitimizing the state of emergency in Rivers and monitoring its implementation.

“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 also referenced Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that it empowers the National Assembly to assume legislative functions when a state assembly cannot function.

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“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.

Ihonvbere noted past delays in engaging with the administrator but expressed satisfaction that he had now honored the invitation. He assured Ibas of a fair and open process, highlighting the broad representation of the committee.

Following the meeting, the chairman stated that a new date would be announced and an official update would be issued by the House Spokesman.