Callers on Nigeria Info’s HardFacts were split in their reactions to Rivers' Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas Ete Ibas (Retired), who requested more time to provide a comprehensive report to the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on Friday in Abuja.
The report concerns developments in the state since the declaration of a state of emergency, which Ibas says is fragile.
The House Committee emphasised the constitutional role of the National Assembly in legitimising and overseeing the state of emergency in the state. According to committee chairman Julius Ihonvbere, the federal legislature remains central to the state's transitional process.
During the conversation, one caller argued that Ibas deserves more time, citing the complex challenges he faced upon his appointment. This caller suggested that six months would be reasonable for Ibas to prepare a full report.
However, another caller disagreed, stating that Ibas had strayed from his main responsibility to oversee the state's affairs. This caller criticised Ibas for dissolving existing administrative structures and creating new ones without engaging in peace talks with warring parties in the state.
A third caller expressed disappointment with Ibas’ response to the committee, describing it as a waste of time. She expressed frustration over the lack of tangible progress in the state due to the state of emergency. “Rivers people are waiting we want to know how much was generated as revenue”.
Finally, another caller speculated that Ibas may have vested interests in maintaining his position as administrator, which could explain his delay in submitting the report.
Ibas had previously failed to appear before the committee on two occasions, on April 17 and 24.
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