House of Representatives Committee Meets with Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas
The House of Representatives ad hoc committee, constituted to oversee the implementation of the state of emergency in Rivers State, finally held a crucial meeting with the state’s Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Friday, April 25, 2025. The meeting, which took place in Port Harcourt, followed a day of uncertainty after Ibas failed to appear before the committee on Thursday, April 24, 2025, prompting an indefinite postponement of the initially scheduled interactive session.
The ad hoc committee, chaired by a yet-to-be-named representative, was established following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on April 16, 2025, by the federal government. The emergency rule was instituted in response to escalating security and governance challenges in the state, necessitating the appointment of Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. The committee’s mandate includes monitoring the implementation of the emergency measures, ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions, and engaging with key stakeholders to address the crisis in Rivers State.
The meeting on April 25 was convened to allow the committee to interact directly with Ibas, who had been invited to provide insights into the state’s situation and the measures being taken under his administration. The committee had expressed concern over Ibas’ absence on the previous day, which raised questions about the coordination and communication between the federal legislature and the Sole Administrator. Sources close to the committee indicated that the postponement was due to logistical issues, though no official explanation was provided by Ibas’ office.
While specific details of the discussions during the April 25 meeting remain undisclosed, it is understood that the committee sought to evaluate the progress of the emergency administration, assess the security situation, and address concerns about governance and public welfare in Rivers State. The state has been grappling with political tensions, economic challenges, and sporadic violence, which prompted the federal government’s intervention. The committee’s engagement with Ibas is seen as a critical step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the emergency.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been a subject of intense debate, with some stakeholders arguing that it was necessary to restore order, while others have criticized it as an overreach of federal authority. The House of Representatives, through its ad hoc committee, has emphasized its commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the emergency measures do not undermine the rights of Rivers State residents.
The meeting with Ibas marks a significant development in the committee’s oversight role, as it seeks to bridge the gap between federal and state authorities during this period of emergency rule. Observers anticipate that the outcomes of the meeting will influence the committee’s recommendations to the House of Representatives and shape the federal government’s approach to resolving the crisis in Rivers State.
As of the time of this report, neither the ad hoc committee nor Ibas’ office has issued an official statement regarding the specifics of the meeting. However, the successful convening of the session is expected to pave the way for further engagements between the committee and other stakeholders in Rivers State, including civil society groups, traditional leaders, and security agencies.
The situation in Rivers State remains fluid, with the public eagerly awaiting updates on the committee’s findings and the next steps in addressing the state’s challenges. For now, the meeting between the House of Representatives committee and Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas represents a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to stabilize Rivers State and restore normalcy to its governance.
