PROFILE: Meet new Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.)
Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (CFR), a retired senior naval officer, as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
The appointment was announced at a live broadcast following the declaration of a State of Emergency.
His appointment comes alongside the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with Tinubu stating that Ibas will oversee the state’s affairs “in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
In past weeks, political tensions in Rivers State have escalated following the issuance of an impeachment notice to Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the state House of Assembly.
In response, militant groups, notably the Niger Delta Ground Fighters and the Niger Delta Development Force (NDDF), threatened to attack oil installations if the impeachment proceeded.
On Tuesday morning, there were reports about an explosion near the Bodo-Bonny Road, which is under construction, affecting the country’s major liquid hydrocarbon delivery channel that can transport about 180,000 barrels of crude per day to the Bonny Export Terminal.
The development has raised concerns over security in the oil-rich state, with fears that such threats could escalate tensions and disrupt economic activities.
In his reaction, President Tinubu accused Governor Fubara of failing to distance himself from militants who have threatened to attack oil pipelines.
In this report, Western Post Online highlights the profile and achievements of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.).
Early Life and Education
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas had his early education at Nko Primary School before transferring to Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, where he completed his primary education in 1971.
He then attended Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar (1972–1976), followed by the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977–1979).
Military Career and Training
Ibas joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1979 as part of 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983. Over his career, he underwent extensive military training, including:
• Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India (1983–1984).
• Primary Pilot Training at 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986–1987).
• Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1990).
Service as Chief of Naval Staff
Ibas rose through the ranks to become the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy, a position he held from 2015 to 2021. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in modernizing the Nigerian Navy, strengthening maritime security, and combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Role as Rivers State Administrator
As the new Administrator of Rivers State, Ibas is expected to restore order and ensure stability in the politically tense state. While his mandate does not include making new laws, he has been authorized to formulate regulations, subject to Federal Executive Council approval and presidential promulgation.
His military background, leadership experience, and reputation for discipline will be key in managing the state’s affairs during this transitional period.
