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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) |
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 in the region.
In a national address on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months. This decision comes amid ongoing political crises in the state, with Ibas stepping in to restore stability.
A Distinguished Career in Service
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas is a highly decorated naval officer with over four decades of service to Nigeria. He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) from July 13, 2015, to January 29, 2021, and later as Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana.
Educational Background
Ibas began his education at Nko Primary School and completed it at Big Qua Primary School in 1971. He attended Hope Waddell Training Institute from 1972 to 1976 and later the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja between 1977 and 1979. 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 training includes courses at INS Venduruthy in India, the 301 Primary Flying Training School in Kaduna, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, and the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan. He also holds a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad.
A Stellar Naval Career
Throughout his career, Ibas held numerous key positions in the Nigerian Navy. Early on, he served on vessels such as NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu. He later became the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe between 1993 and 1996.
His leadership roles included commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, commanding officer of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Naval provost marshal, principal staff officer to the CNS, command operations officer at Western Naval Command, commander of the Naval Air Base in Ojo, chief staff officer at Naval Training Command, chief of administration at Naval Headquarters, Navy secretary, flag officer commanding Western Naval Command, chief of logistics, and group managing director/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.
Appointed Chief of Naval Staff by former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2015, Ibas concluded his military career in 2021 and was subsequently appointed as Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana.
Awards and Recognitions
Ibas has been honored with numerous awards for his service, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and the General Service Star. In October 2022, former President Buhari conferred on him the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Professional Affiliations and Personal Life
Ibas is a member of professional organizations such as the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He is married to Theresa Ibas, and they have three children. His personal interests include reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
A New Role in Rivers State
With his vast experience and proven leadership, Ibas is expected to bring stability and order to Rivers State during his six-month tenure as administrator. His appointment underscores the federal government’s commitment to resolving the state’s political challenges and restoring peace.
(BUSINESS DAY)