Ibas fails to appear before reps panel overseeing emergency rule

Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, on Thursday failed to appear before the house of representatives ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in the state.

On April 15, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, inaugurated the 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the south-south state.

A day after the committee was constituted, the lawmakers invited the Rivers’ sole administrator to appear before them on April 17.

Ibas was to address the lawmakers on governance in the state. However, he requested a rescheduling, and the meeting was moved to April 24.

IBAS FAILS TO APPEAR 

However, the Rivers’ sole administrator did not honour the invitation while members of the committee waited for him on Thursday. t

Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee and leader of the house, declined comment when journalists asked him to speak on Ibas’ absence. He retorted, “No comment.”

Earlier on Thursday, Ibas attended the national economic council (NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja.

BACKGROUND

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.

The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

Several stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state’s affairs.

There have been protests in the state demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.

Fubara reportedly met with Tinubu in London last week as part of moves to resolve the political crisis in the state.