The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), on Friday, met with the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on the State’s oversight after his inability to honour the panel’s earlier invitation for two consecutive times.
Admiral Ibas, at the maiden interface with the lawmakers, apologised for his absence and asked for additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing to the legislative panel.
The retired three-star General said his absence was not out of disregard for the committee but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in a state under emergency rule.
Ibas said he was fully committed to cooperating with the committee and ensuring that all relevant information was made available in due course to support its important work.
“I deeply regret my inability to attend earlier engagements with this esteemed committee, like you rightly said. Today is exactly
10 days after the first invitation and in between, we have had four days that were off calendar as public holidays plus the weekends inclusive.
“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.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work. I want to specially thank Mr. Chairman and the distinguished honourable members of this committee for your understanding and continued service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ibas said.
Consequently, the committee led by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), accepted the Sole Administrator’s apology and granted his request for the rescheduling of the meeting to enable him to prepare adequately for the briefing.
“In keeping with the House’s tradition of fairness, and in recognition of the Administrator’s demonstration of respect and responsibility, the committee has magnanimously accepted his apology.
“Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to proceed with the rescheduled engagement on a date and time to be announced in due course.
“The Committee reiterates its commitment to discharging its constitutional mandate under Sections 11(4) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) with diligence, impartiality, and in the best interest of democratic governance and national stability.
“The cooperation of all stakeholders in this process is crucial, and the Committee remains open to constructive engagement in line with the principles of accountability and the rule of law,” Hon. Ihonvbere stated at the end of the closed-door meeting.
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