By John Umeh
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has once again failed to appear before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, deepening concerns over accountability and transparency.
The committee—constituted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on April 15, 2025—initially scheduled the session for April 17, only to reschedule at Ibas’s request. A new date was set for April 24, but the retired naval officer was notably absent yet again.
Lawmakers had expected the interactive session to shed light on recent developments in Rivers State under Ibas’s leadership. Despite reports confirming his presence in Abuja for the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, he did not attend the National Assembly engagement.
It remains unclear whether a formal summons was delivered or acknowledged, as the committee has not provided clarity on communications with the administrator.
Following the no-show, committee chairman Rep. Julius Ihonvbere and other members quietly exited Committee Room 301 without addressing the media. When pressed by journalists, Ihonvbere offered a terse, “No comment.”
With no new date announced, the meeting has now been postponed indefinitely, raising further questions about the ongoing oversight process and the administrator’s willingness to engage with the legislative arm.
