Meet new Rivers Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibas

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) 

Has been appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of the state. The President, in his official statement, emphasized that the decision was made “in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

**Judicial Arm Remains Functional**

President Tinubu clarified that the declaration does not extend to the judiciary, which will continue to function normally. “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,” he stated.

The decision follows heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where a deepening power struggle between Governor Fubara and other political stakeholders had raised concerns over governance stability and security.

Tinubu Appoints Sole Administrator for Rivers State, As Fubara Gets Suspension

Who is Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas?

Vice Admiral **Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas**, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, is a decorated military officer with an extensive career spanning over four decades in the Nigerian Navy. He hails from **Nko, Cross River State**, and has built a reputation as a strategic military leader with expertise in maritime security, logistics, and governance.

 **Early Life and Education**

Ibas was born in **Nko, Cross River  and began his education at Nko Primary School before completing his primary education at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He later attended **Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar**, between 1972 and 1976, followed by the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, before gaining admission into the prestigious **Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)** as part of the 26 Regular Course in 1979.

His advanced military training includes specialized courses in **India, the United States, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom**. Some of his notable qualifications include:

– **Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course** at INS Venduruthy, India (1983–1984)
– **Primary Pilot Training** at 301 Primary Flying Training School, Kaduna (1986–1987)
– **Amphibious Warfare Course** at the U.S. Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia (1992–1993)
– **Underwater Warfare Specialization** at NNS Quorra, Nigeria (1994–1995)
– **Senior Staff Course** at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1996–1997)
– **National Defence College**, Islamabad, Pakistan (2005–2006)
– **Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies** from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan

**Military Career and Leadership Roles**

Vice Admiral Ibas has served in various capacities in the Nigerian Navy, both in command and strategic leadership roles. Some of his notable appointments include:

– **Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School** (1997–1998)
– **Commander, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka** (1998–2000)
– **Naval Provost Marshal** (2003–2004)
– **Commander, Naval Air Base, Ojo** (2006–2009)
– **Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters** (2011–2012)
– **Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command** (2013–2014)
– **Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters** (2014)
– **Chief of the Naval Staff** (2015–2020)

During his tenure as **Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2020)**, Ibas played a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security, particularly in combating piracy, oil theft, and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. His leadership led to the acquisition of modern naval vessels and enhanced operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy.

**National and International Recognition**

Ibas has received several honors and awards for his service, including:

– **Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)** – Conferred by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022
– Membership in the **Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA)** and the **Nigerian Institute of Management**
– Alumnus of the **Harvard Kennedy School**, where he attended a leadership development program

His global experience also includes participation in **security conferences, defense exhibitions, and strategic leadership courses** in the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States.

**Implications of His Appointment**

The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator of Rivers State signals a **strong federal intervention** in the state’s political crisis. Given his vast leadership experience, both in military operations and administration, his role will be crucial in restoring order, ensuring security, and managing governance affairs in Rivers State during this emergency period.

His **military background** suggests that security will be a top priority under his administration, particularly in addressing any unrest or resistance to the state of emergency. Additionally, his past experience in logistics and strategic planning is expected to contribute to a stable transition during this politically sensitive period.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas’s appointment marks a significant shift in Rivers State’s governance dynamics. His background as a seasoned naval officer, combined with his strategic leadership experience, positions him as a strong figure to navigate the challenges ahead.

The coming months will be crucial in determining how Rivers State responds to this federal intervention and whether stability and governance can be effectively restored.