The Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) on Thursday shunned the House of Representatives ad hoc committee constituted to make laws for the state, after failing to honour the second invitation.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on March 18, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.

Under the constitutional provisions that empowered the President to take such action; also provided for a committee of the House of Representatives to oversee the affairs of the state.

While complying with the constitutional provisions, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House, on April 15 inaugurated a 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the south-south state.

A day after the committee was constituted, the lawmakers invited the Rivers’ sole administrator to appear before them on April 17, to brief it on issues regarding governance.

He requested a rescheduling of his appearance, and the meeting was moved to April 24.

However, the Rivers’ sole administrator failed to honour the invitation while members of the committee waited for him today, Thursday 24,2025

Unlike in the previous invitation where the Sole Administrator wrote to the House seeking the rescheduling of his appearance, Daily Intel could not independently confirm if he deemed it obligatory to do same this time around.

Also, Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee and leader of the house, declined comment when journalists asked him to speak on Ibas’ absence. Rather, he simply retorted, “No comment.”

Earlier on Thursday, Ibas attended the national economic council, NEC, meeting at the State House, Abuja.

Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee and leader of the house, declined comment when journalists asked him to speak on Ibas’ absence. He retorted, “No comment.”