Rivers Administrator, Ibas, Avoids House of Reps Invitation Amid State of Emergency in Rivers, Nigeria

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, failed to appear before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight on Thursday, raising concerns about the state’s political situation under the ongoing state of emergency.

The committee had invited Ibas to discuss governance in Rivers following the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

Africaworldnews recalls that this declaration suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature, with Ibas appointed to manage the state’s affairs during the emergency.

Despite a scheduled 3:00 pm meeting, Ibas did not attend without prior communication. The lawmakers proceeded with a closed-door session and emerged looking visibly disappointed.

When questioned by the press about Ibas’ absence, committee chairman Professor Julius Ihonvbere declined to comment, offering only a brief “no comment.”