Ibok-Ete Ibas, the only administrator of Rivers State, has apologized to the House of Representatives ad hoc committee that is in charge of the emergency rule in that state.
The 21-member committee was established on April 15 by Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas to guarantee open government and the rule of law in the state.
Ibas was supposed to speak to the lawmakers about state governance.
The MPs invited the Rivers’ only administrator to appear before them on April 17, one day after the committee was established. The meeting was rescheduled for April 24 after the lone administrator made a request.
On Thursday, the committee members assembled in the conference room, but Ibas failed to appear.
Ibas apologized to the MPs for not accepting earlier invitations during his Friday address to the committee.
Citing the complexity of the situation in Rivers state, he also asked for more time to deliver a “comprehensive and constructive” briefing.
“Today marks precisely ten days since the initial invitation, and during that time, we have had four days off due to public holidays and weekends,” he stated.
The absence, of course, was not out of disregard but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in a state under a declared emergency.
“I have always held the national assembly in the highest regard. I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers state, which is presently relatively calm, but still fragile.
“That said, I only request your understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing.
“Given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in Rivers state, it is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.”
Ibas said he will cooperate with the committee to ensure that all relevant information is available in due course.
Speaking after the meeting, chairman of the committee and leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, said the committee has accepted Ibas’ apology and would reschedule the briefing.
He said, “The Committee notes that the Administrator, in a correspondence received last night, expressed his regrets for not honouring earlier invitations and appeared in person today to offer a formal apology.
Additionally, he asked for a chance to come back and interact with the Committee in a more thorough and active manner.
The Committee has graciously accepted the Administrator’s apologies in accordance with the House’s tradition of justice and in appreciation of his display of decency and accountability.
In light of this, the Committee has decided to move forward with the rescheduled engagement at a time and date that will be disclosed later.
Ihonvbere went on to say that in accordance with the values of accountability and the rule of law, the committee is open to constructive engagement and requires the participation of all stakeholders.
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