KEY POINTS

• Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, has been appointed as the administrator of Rivers State following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.
• Ibas brings over four decades of military and diplomatic experience, including serving as Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana, to address the political crisis in the oil-rich state.
• His appointment has sparked debate, with supporters praising his leadership skills while critics raise concerns about the suspension of democratic institutions.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, has been appointed as the administrator of Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.

The decision, announced in a national address on Tuesday, comes in response to escalating political crises that have paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state.

President Tinubu suspended Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months, citing “a breakdown of law and order that threatens the stability of the region.”

Channelstv reports that the move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the decision as necessary to restore peace, while others question its constitutional implications.

Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, brings a wealth of experience to the role.

With a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the Nigerian Navy, he served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from July 13, 2015, to January 29, 2021. Ibas also represented Nigeria as ambassador to Ghana, showcasing his diplomatic acumen.

“The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas is a strategic move to bring stability to Rivers State,” said a senior government official who preferred anonymity. “His military background and leadership skills make him uniquely qualified to navigate the current challenges.”

Educational and professional background

Ibas educational journey began at Nko Primary School and continued at Big Qua Primary School, where he completed his early education in 1971.

He later attended Hope Waddell Training Institute and the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja. In 1979, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26th Regular Course, commissioning as a Sub-Lieutenant on January 1, 1983.

His professional military education includes training at institutions such as INS Venduruthy in India, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, and the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Ibas also holds a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad.

Throughout his naval career, Ibas held numerous key positions, including commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, commander of the Naval Air Base in Ojo, and chief of logistics.

His tenure as Chief of Naval Staff was marked by significant reforms aimed at modernizing the Nigerian Navy.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Ibas’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Rivers State, which has been embroiled in political turmoil for months.

The crisis, rooted in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, has led to widespread protests, economic disruptions, and a decline in investor confidence.

“Rivers State is too important to Nigeria’s economy to be left in chaos,” said political analyst Adeola Adebayo.

“The state accounts for a significant portion of the country’s oil production, and any instability here has ripple effects across the nation.”

Awards and recognitions

In recognition of his service, Ibas has received numerous awards, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, and the Distinguished Service Star. He was also conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022.

Personal life and interests

Ibas is married to Theresa Ibas, and they have three children. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.

His personal interests reflect a disciplined and reflective personality, traits that will be crucial in his new role.

“I am committed to restoring peace and order in Rivers State,” Ibas said in a brief statement after his appointment. “This is a challenging task, but with the support of the people, we will overcome.”