Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has lambasted the Federal Government for allowing Rivers State’s sole administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to attend the National Economic Council meeting.
On Thursday, Ibas attended the 149th NEC meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima and held at the State House in Abuja.
Falana spoke at a press conference on Friday, condemning Ibas’ attendance at the NEC as a violation of the Nigerian constitution.
According to Falana, there is no constitutional provision that authorises a sole administrator to attend such an important meeting.
He said, “During the NEC meeting, where elected governors were presided over by the Vice President, the Rivers Sole Administrator showed up. When you look at the constitution, there is no provision for a sole administrator in this body.
“The NEC is a constitutional body comprising elected governors meant to advise the president on national affairs, and this is a clear violation of that.”
Falana mentioned that in the First Republic, a similar position existed but was governed by the National Economic Emergency Act, where a civilian was appointed.
“They (FG) believe they can do anything and get away with it,” he stated.
