Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, recently appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, is currently in a closed-door session with the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the state’s political situation.
The meeting, which had been delayed multiple times, marks a significant step by federal lawmakers to assert their constitutional authority to take over the legislative duties of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly.
At the start of the meeting, Ibas expressed regret for his earlier absence and asked for more time to adequately prepare his briefing.
He explained that he is still acclimating to his new responsibilities and appealed to the committee for patience.
Shortly after his remarks, members of the press were asked to leave as discussions moved behind closed doors.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Ibas following his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly members.
The political turmoil stems from an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of the state’s political framework.