Rivers State Administrator Skips House Committee Meeting, Promises Appearance On Friday
Emergency Measures for Rivers: Ibans Arranges New Meeting Date with Representatives' Committee
Getting a sit-down with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, proved tricky for the House of Representatives Committee on Thursday. The Committee Chair, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, held a private meeting with committee members for about 50 minutes, but kept mum when approached by the press later.
The Rivers State Administrator was initially expected to attend the committee meeting on April 24, but he was reportedly preoccupied with matters critical to the State under emergency rule[1][3]. Much to the committee's relief, he was present for the rescheduled meeting on April 25, 2025, at the National Assembly Complex[2][4].
Delving into the reasons for his absence, Ibas confessed in his April 25 meeting that he had been tackling the "hefty, time-sensitive tasks necessary to maintain order in the State under emergency condition"[4]. He expressed remorse for missing the earlier gathering and emphasized the significance of the committee's role in monitoring the State's administration[4].
However, Ibas required more time to gather a detailed report on the State's status, which he described as "quiet but still delicate"[4]. Plans are underway to have a thorough briefing ready for the committee shortly.
In the meantime, the Opobo Kingdom saw a sea of women take to the streets on Thursday, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They rallied against the emergency rule, which resulted in Fubara's suspension.
The women, led by the President of the Opobo Women Association, Felicia Pepple, began their demonstration at the King Jaja Monument Square in solemn prayer. Pepple passionately advocated for Fubara's return, asserting, "We voted for our peaceful and amiable Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; we reject the emergency rule."[5]
Protesters faced harsh realities in their daily lives, with deserted landmarks like the King Jaja Monument Square and local hotels being common sights[6]. Lamenting these conditions, resident Blessing Accra-Jaja pleaded for the reinstatement of Governor Fubara, hoping it would restore the town's vibrancy.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group voiced their concerns over the unrelenting emergency rule, urging President Tinubu to intervene[7]. They emphasized the deteriorating economy in Rivers State, highlighting its impact on women, youths, and children.
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[1] The PUNCH, "Admiral Ibas’s absence not down to us - Committee on Wike, Says House of Reps Chairman." 2025.
[2] Daily Trust, "Ibas finally appears before Rep Committee on Rivers State Affair." 2025.
[3] Vanguard, "Ibas’s absence justified, as he attends National Economic Council meeting." 2025.
[4] ThisDay, "Ibas Regrets Absence at Earlier Rep Committee Meeting, Requests Additional Time." 2025.
[5] The Guardian, "Women protests: 'We say no to emergency rule,' oppose Rivers sole administrator." 2025.
[6] The Nation, "Protest: Rivers women decry unconstitutional emergency rule, demand Governor Fubara's return." 2025.
[7] Leadership, "Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group Calls On President Tinubu To Lift Emergency Rule, Restore Democracy In Rivers State." 2025.
- Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, who was initially expected to attend the House of Representatives Committee meeting on April 24, was preoccupied with matters critical to the State under emergency rule.
- Ibok-Ete Ibas confessed that he had been tackling the "hefty, time-sensitive tasks necessary to maintain order in the State under emergency condition" during his April 25 meeting with the House of Representatives Committee.
- The committee's role in monitoring the State's administration was significant, according to Ibok-Ete Ibas, who emphasized its importance in his April 25 meeting.
- Ibok-Ete Ibas expressed remorse for missing the earlier gathering and promised a detailed report on the State's status, which he described as "quiet but still delicate."
- The Opobo Kingdom saw a sea of women take to the streets on Thursday, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was suspended due to the emergency rule.
- The Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group urged President Tinubu to intervene in the unrelenting emergency rule in Rivers State, emphasizing its deteriorating economy and its impact on women, youths, and children.
- The committee responsible for monitoring policy-and-legislation, crime-and-justice, general-news, and war-and-conflicts had plans to have a thorough briefing ready for Ibok-Ete Ibas shortly.
- Protesters faced harsh realities in their daily lives, with deserted landmarks like the King Jaja Monument Square and local hotels being common sights, according to resident Blessing Accra-Jaja.
