President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The decision follows the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for a six-month period.
Ibas, a former Chief of the Naval Staff, held that position from 2015 until his retirement in 2021. His appointment comes at a time of political uncertainty in Rivers State, with his primary responsibility being to oversee governance and stabilise the state.
Background and Early Life
Born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas began his education at Nko Primary School before completing it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He later attended Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, and continued to the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979.
In 1979, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1983. His academic qualifications include a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Military Career and Training
Throughout his career, Ibas underwent extensive military training. He completed the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India (1983–1984), and later received primary pilot training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986–1987).
His other training programmes included the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1990), and the Amphibious Warfare Course at the United States Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia (1992). He also specialised in Underwater Warfare at NNS Quorra (1994) and attended the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1997). In 2005, he participated in the National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Naval Service and Leadership Roles
During his early years in the Navy, Ibas served aboard several vessels, including NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu. After his commission, he took up roles as a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe.
Between 1993 and 1996, he was the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe. His leadership extended to the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, where he served as commanding officer from 1997 to 1998. He later commanded the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, from 1998 to 2000.
His staff assignments included serving as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2000–2002), before becoming deputy commandant in 2014. Additionally, he was the naval provost marshal (2003–2004) and principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005).
Between 2006 and 2009, he commanded the Naval Air Base, Ojo, and later served as the chief staff officer at the Naval Training Command, Lagos (2010–2011). He subsequently held roles as chief of administration at the Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), Navy Secretary (2012–2013), and flag officer commanding the Western Naval Command (2013–2014).
In 2014, Ibas was appointed chief of logistics and later served as the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited. On 13 July 2015, he assumed office as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021.
Appointment as Rivers State Administrator
On 18 March 2025, President Tinubu named Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. His appointment follows the declaration of a state of emergency in the state due to escalating political tensions.
His mandate includes overseeing governance, restoring order, and ensuring stability in Rivers State during the suspension of the governor and deputy governor.