Vice Admiral Ibas Attends First NEC Meeting as Rivers State Sole Administrator

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), recently appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, made his debut appearance at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, brought together state governors, deputy governors, and key federal officials to deliberate on critical economic issues facing Nigeria.

Ibas’s attendance marked a significant moment, as it was his first official engagement at the NEC following his appointment as Sole Administrator of Rivers State. His presence was particularly noteworthy given the unique circumstances surrounding his role, which was established after the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The retired Vice Admiral’s participation underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring representation for Rivers State in national economic discussions despite its transitional administrative status.

The NEC meeting saw the attendance of several prominent state governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Other governors present included Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, and Bassey Otu of Cross River State. Several deputy governors also represented their states, contributing to the robust discussions on Nigeria’s economic policies and challenges.

The National Economic Council, constitutionally mandated to advise the President on economic affairs, serves as a critical platform for coordinating policies between the federal and state governments. Chaired by the Vice President, the council typically includes the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other key economic stakeholders. The agenda of the April 24 meeting focused on pressing economic issues, including strategies to address inflation, currency stabilization, and state-level economic development initiatives.

Ibas’s attendance was described as a surprise by some observers, given the recent political and administrative changes in Rivers State. His appointment as Sole Administrator followed a period of political instability in the state, prompting the Federal Government to intervene with emergency measures. As Sole Administrator, Ibas is tasked with overseeing the state’s governance and ensuring stability until a permanent administrative framework is established.

Sources close to the meeting noted that Ibas actively engaged in discussions, representing Rivers State’s interests and providing insights into the state’s economic priorities. His military background and experience as a former Chief of Naval Staff were seen as bringing a disciplined and strategic perspective to the council’s deliberations.

The NEC meeting also highlighted the evolving political landscape in Nigeria, with Governor Oborevwori’s defection to the APC drawing attention. The Delta State governor’s presence alongside other APC-aligned governors signaled a potential shift in regional political dynamics, which could influence future economic and policy collaborations.

As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, including rising inflation and unemployment, the NEC’s role in fostering cooperation between federal and state governments remains crucial. The inclusion of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator in these discussions reflects the Federal Government’s efforts to maintain continuity in governance and economic planning across all states, regardless of their administrative status.

Vice Admiral Ibas’s participation in the NEC meeting is expected to be the first of many as he navigates his role in steering Rivers State through its current transitional phase. Stakeholders in Rivers State and beyond will be closely watching his contributions to both state and national economic agendas in the coming months.