The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has once again failed to appear before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, despite being formally invited for an interactive session aimed at assessing developments in the state since his appointment.
The committee, which was set up by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and inaugurated on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, had originally scheduled the session for Thursday, April 17, before rescheduling it at the request of Ibas.
Committee Left in the Dark Over Absence
The rescheduled meeting, set for Thursday, April 24, 2025, was expected to finally provide lawmakers the opportunity to engage with Ibas. However, even though he was confirmed to be in Abuja for the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Ibas did not attend the committee’s session.
There has been no official explanation provided for his continued absence, and it remains uncertain whether a formal invitation was sent or acknowledged. The committee has not released any statement clarifying the nature of the invitation process or the reason for the no-show.
Session postponed indefinitely
Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, and other lawmakers were seen leaving Committee Room 301 at the House of Representatives Complex without addressing journalists. When approached, Rep. Ihonvbere simply said, “No comment.”
As a result of the no-show, the planned meeting between the committee and Vice Admiral Ibas has now been postponed indefinitely.
