Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, Finally Faces House Committee

After series of postponements and no-shows, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, has finally appeared before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in the state.The meeting was held behind closed doors.

The crisis in Rivers State began on March 18, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, citing the prolonged political crisis in the state. The president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for a period of six months. Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed as the state’s sole administrator, sparking controversy and criticism from various stakeholders.

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee, chaired by Julius Ihonvbere, was constituted on April 15 to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the state. The committee invited Ibas to appear before them on April 17, but he requested a rescheduling, which was granted.

However, on Thursday, Ibas failed to show up, prompting speculation and concerns about his commitment to accountability.

Ibas’ appearance before the committee on Friday was a significant development, as it marked the first time he had faced the lawmakers since his appointment. Although the meeting was held behind closed doors, it is expected that Ibas will be grilled on his handling of the state’s affairs, including his decision to suspend all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

Ibas’ tenure as sole administrator has been marked by controversy, with several stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), criticizing his handling of the state’s affairs. The suspension of political officeholders and the perceived lack of transparency in his decision-making process have raised concerns about the legitimacy of his administration.

In a related development, Governor Fubara reportedly met with President Tinubu in London last week as part of moves to resolve the political crisis in the state. The meeting is seen as a positive step towards finding a solution to the impasse, which has paralyzed governance in the state.

The outcome of Ibas’ appearance before the committee is eagerly awaited, as it will determine the next steps in the ongoing saga. The committee’s findings and recommendations will be crucial in shaping the future of governance in Rivers State and addressing the concerns of stakeholders. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Rivers State deserve transparent and accountable governance, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that this is achieved.