Eight things to know about new Rivers Administrator Ikot Ibas

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has been appointed as the sole administrator of Rivers State following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The move comes as Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been suspended for an initial period of six months. Ibas, a retired naval officer, is expected to steer the affairs of the state during this challenging period. Here are eight key things to know about him:

1 Ibot Ekwe Ibas was born on September 13, 1960, in Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

2. Distinguished naval career:Vice Admiral Ibas served as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021, bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the nation’s maritime security. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in modernising the Navy and implementing measures to secure Nigeria’s territorial waters. He was actively involved in strategic military operations aimed at curbing piracy and illegal activities in the Gulf of Guinea. His leadership significantly bolstered the Navy’s operational capabilities and maritime defence infrastructure.

3. Extensive military training:Ibas’ career is marked by an impressive portfolio of military training at home and abroad. After enlisting at the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course in 1979, he trained as a sub-lieutenant and later honed his skills in underwater warfare at the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School. Internationally, he underwent training at the United States Marine Corps University in Virginia, where he obtained a diploma in amphibious warfare, and at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He also attended the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he earned a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies.

4. Leadership skills:Throughout his naval career, Ibas held several key appointments, reflecting his strategic leadership capabilities. He served as Command Operations Officer at the Western Naval Command, Lagos, and later became the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command from 2013 to 2014. He was also the Chief of Logistics at Naval Headquarters and served as the Navy Secretary. His leadership extended to the Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited, where he served as Group Managing Director/CEO before being appointed Chief of Naval Staff in 2015.

5. He served as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chiefs of Naval Staff and the President of the Gulf of Guinea Naval Chiefs’ Conference.

6. Academic credentials:In addition to his military qualifications, Ibas holds a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan. His pursuit of academic excellence also led him to the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States, where he completed a capacity development course. His vast knowledge and strategic insights have been shaped by his exposure to global military and leadership standards.

7. National honours:  Vice Admiral Ibas’ dedication to duty earned him the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022, conferred by President Muhammadu Buhari. He is a member of reputable professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management.

8. He was appointed the 19th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2015, and served in that position until his retirement in 2021.

His participation in global seminars and exhibitions underscores his commitment to professional development and strategic leadership.

As he steps into his new role as the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to leverage his wealth of experience and leadership acumen to navigate the state through its current challenges.