ABUJA – Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, failed to appear before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight on Wednesday, despite being in Abuja for a separate engagement.
Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other state officials in March 2025, was present at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
His absence at the House committee meeting, however, sparked disappointment among lawmakers. The committee, led by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, was set up to investigate the ongoing political situation and governance structure in Rivers State following the declaration of a six-month state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
Despite a previous postponement requested by Ibas, the rescheduled session on April 24 was again unattended by the administrator. Lawmakers had hoped to gain clarity on the administration’s activities and progress since the imposition of emergency rule in the state.
After a brief closed-door session, members of the committee declined to comment on the development. When asked about Ibas’s failure to appear, Ihonvbere simply stated, “no comment.”
The absence of Ibas, who was confirmed to be in Abuja for the NEC meeting with other governors and deputy governors, has raised concerns over accountability and transparency in the interim governance of Rivers State.
President Tinubu had suspended the state’s governor, deputy governor, and entire legislature, appointing Ibas to oversee governance and restore stability during the emergency period.
The House committee is expected to continue its oversight despite the latest setback, though it remains unclear whether Ibas will be summoned again.
