On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the region. This appointment comes in light of ongoing political turmoil in the state, with Ibas expected to restore good governance and order.
In a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu said, “I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.
For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate. The Administrator will not make any new laws.
He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”
Admiral Ibokette Ibas is recognized for his extensive military experience and leadership skills, having contributed significantly to Nigeria’s naval capabilities and operations.
Read Also: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor and House of Assembly
Who Is Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas(Rtd)
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc (born September 27, 1960) is a retired Vice Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, who served as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) from 2015 to 2021. He was born in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Education
Ibas began his primary education at Nko Primary School and completed it at Big Qua Primary School in Calabar. He attended the Hope Waddell Training Institute and later pursued higher studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, joining in 1979 and commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1983. He has participated in various military training programs both in Nigeria and abroad, including courses in India, the United States, and Pakistan, earning a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad.
Military Career
Throughout his career in the Nigerian Navy, Ibas held numerous significant positions, including:
- Midshipman on various naval vessels.
- Executive Officer of multiple ships.
- Commanding Officer at the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School and Forward Operating Base Ibaka.
- Director of the Department of Maritime Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
- Several high-level roles at Naval Headquarters, including Chief of Logistics and Navy Secretary.
He was appointed Chief of Naval Staff on July 13, 2015, after serving in various operational and administrative capacities within the Navy.
