Abuja, Nigeria - The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on Rivers State oversight has summoned the state's Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), to appear before it today. This summons follows the National Assembly's endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The committee, which has assumed the functions of the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly, aims to ascertain the true state of affairs in the state and ensure the House remains properly guided in its oversight responsibilities.
Meanwhile, over 100 women, under the banner of the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group, have taken to the streets to demand an immediate end to the emergency rule. The women, clad in red attire and carrying placards, decried the unconstitutionality and unjust nature of the emergency rule. They accuse Ibas of deepening divisions among political stakeholders and dismantling democratic institutions to serve the interests of those who appointed him.
In related news, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stated that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has not reached out to him to apologize, a condition Wike deems necessary before considering forgiveness. Wike's statement comes in response to calls from Niger Delta ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, urging Wike to forgive Fubara.
Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, clarified that he has not accused Fubara of personal wrongdoing but insists on adherence to proper governance principles, emphasizing that reconciliation requires the offender to first admit wrongdoing and seek forgiveness.
