President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator for Rivers following a state of emergency declared in the state but who is the ex navy boss and diplomat tasked with leading the oil-rich state?.
Background
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria.
He is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and diplomat who served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.
Naval career
His naval journey commenced at the Nigerian Defence Academy on June 20, 1979, as part of the 26th Regular Course, leading to his commission as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
Over the years, he has served in numerous key positions in the Nigerian Navy. As a midshipman, he served aboard NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu.
After commissioning as a sub-lieutenant, he was a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe. Between 1993 and 1996, he became the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe.
He later commanded the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School (1997–1998) and Forward Operating Base Ibaka (1998–2000). Excelling in the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2000–2002) and later served as Director, Maritime Warfare (2009–2010) and Deputy Commandant (2014).
Ibas was the naval provost marshal (2003–2004) and principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005). He served as command operations officer, Western Naval Command (2006) and commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006–2009). He later became chief staff officer, Naval Training Command (2010–2011), chief of administration, Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), and Navy Secretary (2012–2013).
He commanded the Western Naval Command (2013–2014) before being appointed chief of logistics (2014) and GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings (2014).
He was commissioned as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.
Diplomatic Role
Upon retirement from active naval service, Ibas transitioned into diplomacy, serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana from 2021.
His appointment underscored his vast experience in security, strategic relations, and international diplomacy.
As Rivers state sole administrator, he would be expected to bring peace and calm to Rivers state following months of political turbulence.
