By Jose Oby 
ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a move stirring political debate and legislative concern, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, failed to appear before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight—even as he made a conspicuous debut at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa on the same day.
The retired naval chief, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March 2025 following the declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, was expected to address critical questions surrounding the state’s governance and political climate since the unprecedented federal intervention.
Despite being physically present in Abuja, Ibas was noticeably absent from the rescheduled House committee hearing on April 24, 2025. The session, chaired by House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere, was designed to provide clarity on the administration of Rivers State under the declared emergency rule.
This marks the second time the Sole Administrator has failed to honour the committee’s invitation—his initial request for a postponement having led to the current date being set. However, no explanation was offered by either Ibas or the committee for his continued absence. When pressed by journalists, Committee Chair Ihonvbere tersely responded with, “No comment,” after a closed-door session.
In a stark contrast, Vice Admiral Ibas was among several governors and deputy governors who attended the National Economic Council meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa on the same day.
His presence at the NEC, a gathering meant to deliberate on national economic strategies—coinciding with his absence from a crucial oversight session, has triggered speculation regarding his commitment to legislative accountability and transparency amid the federal takeover of Rivers State governance.
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state legislature. In an unprecedented move, Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator to steer the state’s affairs during the six-month period.
The House of Representatives formed the ad-hoc committee shortly afterward, with a mandate to investigate the evolving political situation and ensure federal oversight remains constitutionally compliant and publicly accountable.
What Next?
With Ibas continuing to evade legislative inquiry while participating in federal-level deliberations, questions abound regarding the autonomy and transparency of his administration in Rivers State. As tensions simmer and the political temperature in the region remains elevated, the absence of a clear explanation or timeline for Ibas’s appearance before the House committee may further fuel speculation and criticism.
For now, all eyes remain on the National Assembly, as stakeholders await the next move in what is rapidly becoming one of Nigeria’s most closely watched federal-state political confrontations.