Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has raised concerns about the participation of Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), in the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Falana pointed out that the NEC, as outlined by the Central Bank Act, consists of the Vice President, the Governors of all states, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He stressed that Ibas, as a Sole Administrator, is not part of this council and his presence at the meeting violates the Nigerian Constitution.
Speaking at a 70th birthday lecture for Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Falana called on President Tinubu to advise Ibas against participating in further meetings of federal executive bodies.
He also criticized the Sole Administrator for comments suggesting that the people of Rivers State are testing his resolve.
Ibas, through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, had referred to a gazette that imposed emergency rule in Rivers State, claiming it granted him broad powers.
However, Falana argued that the gazette did not provide any such powers and that the Sole Administrator’s actions have been illegal. He further demanded that Ibas’ appointment be immediately revoked.
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