Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has requested additional time to properly brief the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on developments in the state.

Ibas made the request on Friday during a meeting with the committee in Abuja. He had previously failed to appear before the panel on April 17 and 24.

Explaining his absence, Ibas said, “The absence was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in Rivers.” He stressed the need for a thorough and well-prepared presentation, given the current fragile situation in the state.

“I only request the understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing,” Ibas added.

Committee Chairman, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), confirmed that the panel had agreed to grant a new date. He reiterated the committee’s constitutional authority and said the administrator had now shown commitment by appearing.

“We have demonstrated again and again our preparedness to do this job efficiently and effectively,” Ihonvbere stated, assuring Ibas of the committee’s support.

The House committee is overseeing the implementation of the emergency rule in Rivers and has emphasized its central role in the state’s transitional process.