Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a retired naval chief, has been appointed as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The appointment comes after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats.
Ibas was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria. He began his primary education at Nko Primary School and later completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, before attending the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979.
Ibas enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course on June 20, 1979, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983. He underwent various training programs, including the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India, between 1983 and 1984, and the Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, between 1986 and 1987.
Ibas held several key positions during his naval career, including:
- – Executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe
– Commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School
– Commanding officer of the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka
– Directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
– Deputy commandant at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji
– Naval provost marshal
– Principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff
– Commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo
– Chief staff officer at the Naval Training Command, Lagos
– Chief of administration at the Naval Headquarters
– Navy Secretary
– Flag officer commanding Western Naval Command
– Chief of logistics
– GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited
Ibas was appointed as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff on July 13, 2015, a position he held until 2021. During his tenure, he implemented various reforms aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Navy.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. His role involves overseeing governance and restoring order in the state amid political instability.
In conclusion, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is a seasoned naval officer with a distinguished career. His appointment as the sole administrator of Rivers State is seen as a move to restore stability and security in the state. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Ibas is well-positioned to address the challenges facing Rivers State and ensure good governance.