The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was absent on Thursday at a crucial meeting with the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee overseeing developments in the state.
The committee, led by House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere, had summoned Ibas to provide updates on governance and security conditions in Rivers following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The presidential directive had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state legislature, placing the state under direct federal administration.
Ibas , appointed to manage Rivers State during the six-month emergency period, was expected to appear before the committee at 3:00 pm but failed to do so without providing an official explanation.
After a closed-door session, visibly displeased lawmakers declined to comment on the outcome of the session.
When pressed for reasons behind the administrator’s absence, committee chairman Ihonvbere tersely replied, “No comment.”
Ihonvbere said the committee was still working and would issue a statement eventually The situation has further fueled tension around the ongoing political crisis in the state.
