Retired naval officer Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has been appointed as the military administrator of Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.
This appointment comes amid escalating political tensions in the state, as conflicts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, a close ally of President Tinubu, reached a boiling point.
Ibas, a seasoned military officer with extensive leadership experience, will now oversee the state’s affairs during this critical period.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas has had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades.
His early education started at Nko Primary School before he moved to Big Qua Primary School in Calabar, where he completed his primary studies in 1971.
He then proceeded to the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar from 1972 to 1976 and later attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, in 1977.
In 1979, Ibas joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), marking the beginning of his long and accomplished military career.
Over the years, he attended several specialized military training programs both within Nigeria and abroad, refining his expertise in naval operations and strategic defense.
His career took a significant leap in 1992 when he attended the Amphibious Warfare School at the U.S. Marine Corps University in Virginia, where he gained extensive knowledge in amphibious operations and warfare strategies.
He later furthered his military education at the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he earned a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University.
Ibas held various leadership positions within the Nigerian Navy, rising through the ranks to become Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, a position he held until his retirement in 2021.
During his tenure as Chief of Naval Staff, he played a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security, leading multiple operations against piracy and oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region.
His service to the nation earned him several prestigious military awards, including the ECOMOG Medal, the Forces Service Star (FSS), and the Distinguished Service Star (DSS).
In recognition of his exemplary contributions to Nigeria’s military and national security, he was honored by former President Muhammadu Buhari with the national title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Now, as the newly appointed military administrator of Rivers State, Ibas takes charge at a time of intense political turmoil.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Tensions escalated after lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, leading to violent clashes and deepening divisions within the state’s leadership.
Amid these escalating tensions, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
With Ibas now at the helm, many are watching to see how he will navigate the political crisis and restore stability to Rivers State.
His military background and extensive leadership experience position him as a strong candidate to enforce order and oversee governance in the state during this challenging period.
Observers believe his tenure could significantly shape the future political landscape of Rivers State as he manages the delicate balance between security enforcement and political resolution.