In a significant political appearance, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the recently appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, participated in his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ibas, appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the March 2025 suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, joined governors and deputy governors from across Nigeria for deliberations on national economic matters. The meeting was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
This marks Ibas’s formal entry into federal-level governance discussions since assuming administrative control of Rivers State under exceptional constitutional circumstances.
The meeting also witnessed the presence of several key political figures, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who led the opening prayers after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) just a day prior.
Notable governors in attendance included Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, alongside a substantial number of deputy governors.
The Council observed a solemn minute of silence and offered prayers for victims of recent violence in Plateau, Benue, and Kwara States. Vice President Shettima extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, emphasizing the government’s concern over the growing insecurity in parts of the country.
The NEC meeting comes at a time of heightened political activity and realignments across the federation, with Rivers State remaining a focal point due to its ongoing leadership transition and broader implications for national politics.
