Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ibas, appointed by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025, joined other state governors and deputy governors at the session presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress, led the opening prayers at Vice President Shettima’s request.
Other governors present included Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Abdulrahman Abdulrazak (Kwara), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Bassey Otu (Cross River), alongside several deputy governors.
During the meeting, the Council observed a moment of silence and offered prayers for victims of recent attacks in Plateau, Benue, and Kwara states. Vice President Shettima expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the deceased.