The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has meet with the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Emergency rule.
The session, which comes after several postponements, marks the lawmakers’ decision to assert their constitutional right to temporarily take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
At the start of the meeting, Ibas offered an apology for missing previous sessions and requested additional time to prepare a comprehensive briefing for the committee.
He explained that he was still adjusting to his new role as the administrator and urged the committee to be patient and understanding.
After his remarks, journalists were asked to leave, and the meeting proceeded into a closed-door session.
Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
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The appointment came after Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as part of the emergency measures.
The emergency rule was triggered by escalating political tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of the state’s political structure.
These ongoing conflicts, coupled with security concerns such as pipeline vandalism and violence, prompted the federal government to intervene.
The suspension of elected officials and Ibas’ subsequent appointment have sparked debate, with critics questioning the constitutionality of the federal government’s actions.
Some legal experts argue that the suspension of the state’s executive and legislature violates democratic principles.
As the meeting progresses behind closed doors, it is expected to shed more light on the federal government’s plan for stabilizing governance in Rivers State and returning it to democratic control after the six-month emergency rule period.
Crediblenewsng.com
