Following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, retired Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has been appointed as the state’s military administrator.
Born on September 27, 1960, Ibas hails from Nko in Cross River State. He was Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff, serving from 2015 to 2021, and had a distinguished military career spanning over four decades, from 1979 until his retirement in 2021.
His early education began at Nko Primary School in 1966 and was completed at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.
He attended Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, between 1972 and 1976 before proceeding to the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, in 1977. In 1979, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become Chief of Naval Staff.
Over the years, Ibas underwent several high-level military trainings both locally and internationally. In 1992, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School at the U.S. Marine Corps University in Virginia.
He also studied 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.
During his service, he received multiple honours, including the ECOMOG Medal and Forces Service Star. In recognition of his contributions, former President Muhammadu Buhari awarded him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
At 64, Ibas steps in to lead Rivers State amid the political turmoil between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, a key ally of the president.
His appointment comes at a critical time, as the state remains a significant player in Nigeria’s oil industry.
