Rivers sole administrator attends first NEC meeting amid ongoing controversy

Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, made his debut appearance at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja—his first major outing since his controversial appointment by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

The high-level meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, brought together state governors and top federal officials to discuss pressing economic issues and chart the course for national development.

Ibas’ presence at the NEC gathering underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of his role despite the intense political backlash and legal questions surrounding the dissolution of the elected government in Rivers State.

Governors present at NEC meeting are Hyacinth Alia of Benue state; Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state; Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Monday Okpebholo of Edo state; Uba Sani of Kaduna state; Alex Otti of Abia state; and Bassey Otu of Cross River state, among others.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis in the state.

Tinubu also suspended Siminalayi Fubara as governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

Amid the controversy trailing the emergency rule, Fubara reportedly visited Tinubu last week during the president’s trip to London.

The meeting with Fubara was said to be at the instance of the suspended governor.

According to the report, Fubara promised to make some concessions in a bid to resolve the political crisis in Rivers.