There is no peace yet in Rivers State even though the situation appears relatively calm, Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas has said.
Ibas, who appeared before the House of Representatives legislative oversight panel on Rivers on Friday, told the lawmakers that the state remains fragile.
Addressing the panel members, the Administrator expressed concerns over the continuing protests in the state against emergency rule.
Describing the situation as delicate and tense, Ibas said there was need for caution in the handling of Rivers affairs.
Pledging cooperation with the panel, the Administrator acknowledged the critical role of the lawmakers in ensuring democratic and constitutional integrity in Rivers.
Ibas regretted his inability to honour previous invitations extended to him by the committee, blaming it on time constraints.
“Today is exactly ten 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,” Ibas explained.
He restated his commitment to ensuring a seamless oversight role in Rivers by the panel, for peace and progress of the state.
The Administrator pleaded for more time to enable him prepare a comprehensive brief of his stewardship in the state.
According to him, the complexities and sensitivity of his tenure required caution and thoroughness.
“Given the complexities and sensitivity of 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,” he said.
The chairman of the ad-hoc panel, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, stressed the importance of constitutional role of the National Assembly in the Rivers affairs during the emergency rule.
Citing constitutional provisions, Ihonvbere said while the power to declare emergency rule rests with the President, it requires the approval of the legislature to come into effect.
“That also means that all functions of the state House of Assembly, including budget approval, must come to the National Assembly and, by implication, this very committee,” Ihonvbere said.
The Administrator will be meeting with the panel again at a time to be decided by the committee.
