A jolt ran through Nigeria’s political corridors on Thursday, April 24, 2025, as Ibok-Ete Ibas, the controversial Sole Administrator of Rivers State, showed up at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock. This marks his first major federal appearance since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him in March amid a fierce political crisis in Rivers.
Vice President Kashim Shettima presided over the closed-door session, which drew governors and deputy governors from across the federation. Ibas’ presence raised eyebrows, with several attendees said to be visibly startled by his inclusion—considering that Rivers remains embroiled in a legitimacy dispute following the impeachment saga that ousted Siminalayi Fubara’s loyalists from key positions.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who just defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), also attended, adding further intrigue to the shifting political dynamics. His appearance alongside Ibas fuels speculation of a deeper realignment at the federal level ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other governors present included Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River. Several deputy governors also joined the economic deliberations, highlighting the NEC’s strategic role in shaping fiscal and developmental priorities for the nation.
The NEC, established under the 1999 Constitution, is mandated to advise the President on economic policy and coordination. Thursday’s session reportedly centered on revenue disbursement challenges, the future of fuel subsidy management, and renewed efforts to stabilize the naira, which hit ₦1,450 to the dollar earlier this week.
Sources within the meeting say Ibas contributed briefly on infrastructure funding for oil-producing states, but no official press statement was issued confirming the specifics of his remarks. His participation could signal deeper political endorsement from the presidency, despite ongoing public backlash over his controversial appointment.
The sudden visibility of Ibas at the federal level may deepen tensions in Rivers, where protests have continued to rock Port Harcourt amid demands for a return to constitutional order. Political analysts believe his appearance at NEC could embolden other state administrators handpicked by the executive, raising concerns about the future of state autonomy in Nigeria’s federal structure.
