The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has told a House of Representatives committee that the state is not yet fully calm despite a temporary break in unrest.
He made this known during a legislative oversight meeting in Abuja on Friday, where he admitted that the situation in the state remains fragile.
Ibas explained that while the violence and protests have reduced, the atmosphere in Rivers is still unstable.
He said the tension in the state requires careful management, especially following the emergency rule imposed by the federal government.
The administrator warned that any hasty action could lead to more trouble, adding that handling the matter needs care and patience.
He also mentioned that protests against the emergency rule are still happening in parts of the state, which shows that people are not fully at ease with the current situation.
He assured the lawmakers that he would work closely with them to maintain order and support the panel’s oversight function in the state.
Ibas had missed earlier invitations to appear before the panel, which he said was due to the challenges of managing a state under emergency.
He explained that public holidays and weekends also affected the timing of his visit, but stressed that it was not intentional.
He said he is ready to provide full details about his work in Rivers, but asked for more time to put together a clear and complete report.
According to him, the situation in the state is very complex, and any information shared must be accurate and well-prepared.
During the meeting, the head of the committee, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, reminded everyone of the role of the National Assembly in such matters.
He said that while the President can declare a state of emergency, it must be approved by lawmakers.
He also noted that during emergency rule, decisions like budget approvals in Rivers must be handled by the National Assembly, through the panel.
The committee is expected to meet with the administrator again, though a date has not yet been set.
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