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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Ibas is a seasoned military officer and former Chief of the Naval Staff of Nigeria, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in various naval commands.
He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role, overseeing governance in Rivers State following a state of emergency declaration.
Here are 10 key things to know about Vice Admiral Ibas:
Former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Ibas served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, overseeing Nigeria’s naval operations and maritime security efforts.
A Distinguished Military Career: He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979 as part of the 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983. His career spanned four decades in various naval commands.
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Extensive Military Education and Training: Ibas attended prestigious military institutions worldwide, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (Jaji, Nigeria), the National Defence College (Pakistan), and the United States Marine Corps University (Quantico, Virginia).
Expertise in Underwater Warfare: He specialized in underwater warfare after completing an advanced course at the Nigerian Navy’s Underwater Warfare School in 1995, which played a crucial role in shaping his naval career.
Command Experience in the Nigerian Navy: Ibas held several key leadership roles, including Commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, and Chief of Logistics at the Naval Headquarters.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara
Experience in Defense Strategy and Policy: He earned a Master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan, strengthening his expertise in military strategy and national security policymaking.
Appointed Rivers State Administrator in 2025:
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu appointed him as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance following a state of emergency declaration.
Recipient of National and Military Honors: Ibas has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, and Distinguished Service Star.
Member of Prestigious Professional Bodies: He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management, among other organizations.
Family and Personal Life: Ibas is married to Theresa Ibas, and they have three children. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys various hobbies that complement his disciplined military background.
Military Takes Over Rivers Govt House As Fubara’s Whereabouts Remain Unknown
The movement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained unknown on Tuesday night as the military deployed trucks to Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt. The trucks were stationed both inside and outside the Government House on the first night of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu declared emergency rule amid attacks on oil installations in Rivers State. Some militant groups had threatened to blow up pipelines if the Rivers House of Assembly impeached Fubara.
However, hours after the lawmakers served the governor with notice of alleged misconduct, the militants carried out their threat.
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