Rivers Crisis: Ibok-Ete Ibas Seeks More Time to Brief Reps, Says Situation Still Fragile

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Rivers Administrator Seeks Extension to Brief Lawmakers
–Sole Administrator Cites Fragile Situation, Pledges Full Cooperation

Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has requested additional time from the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers State to deliver a full briefing on developments in the embattled oil-rich state.

Ibas made the appeal during a closed-door meeting with members of the committee in Abuja on Friday, after previously failing to appear before the panel on April 17 and 24.

Addressing the lawmakers, Ibas apologized for missing the earlier invitations and assured the committee of his commitment to transparency and collaboration.

“I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard,” Ibas said.
“I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers, which is presently relatively calm, but still fragile.”

The administrator emphasized the need for a thorough and accurate account, citing the complexity of the ongoing transition following the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

The emergency declaration led to the suspension of the state legislature, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, triggering widespread controversy and heightened political tension.

“I only request the understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing,” Ibas told the lawmakers.
“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy, and clarity it rightfully deserves.”

The House committee had convened the meeting as part of its mandate to assume legislative functions in Rivers State, following the vacuum created by the emergency rule.

Despite acknowledging the relative calm in the state, Ibas warned that the situation remained delicate and required measured, informed responses from all actors involved.