Ibok-Ete Ibas Makes Debut at National Economic Council Meeting(NEC) Amid Rivers State Turmoil

Ibok-Ete Ibas, the recently appointed sole administrator of Rivers State, participated in his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, signalling a new chapter in the ongoing political saga engulfing the oil-rich state.

The NEC meeting, held at the State House, brought together several state governors and key policymakers to deliberate on national economic matters. Among the attendees were Governor Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Alex Otti (Abia), and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.

Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed sole administrator in March by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The emergency rule was triggered by a protracted political crisis that had destabilised governance in the state.

In a dramatic move on March 18, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial period of six months. The president’s decision was seen as an effort to restore order and end the gridlock in the state’s leadership.

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Amid swirling political tension, Fubara reportedly sought a private audience with President Tinubu last week during the president’s visit to London. Sources close to the matter said the meeting was initiated by the embattled governor himself, who expressed willingness to make concessions to pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

Ibas’s presence at the NEC meeting underscores the federal government’s commitment to maintaining administrative continuity in Rivers State while navigating the turbulent political landscape.