Who is Vice Admiral Ibas? Meet Rivers State’s New Sole Administrator
President Bola Tinubu has nominated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State.
Ibas will be responsible for overseeing the affairs of the state for at least six months.
The president had earlier, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the persistent political crisis and instability.
Tinubu also suspended the governor, his deputy, and the members of the state assembly.
However, the president stated that the state of emergency declaration “does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.”
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and diplomat.
He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.
Educational Background and Naval Training
Ibas commenced his primary education at Nko Primary School and completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.
He attended Hope Waddell Training Institute from 1972 to 1976 and the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979. His naval career began 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.
Throughout his career, Ibas pursued advanced military education, including:
– Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India (1983-1984)
– Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986-1987)
– Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1990)
– Diploma in Amphibious Warfare from the U.S. Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia (1992-1993)
– Underwater Warfare specialization at the Underwater Warfare School, NNS Quorra (1994-1995)
– Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1996-1997)
– National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan, earning a master’s degree in defense and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University (2005-2006)
Naval Career Highlights
Ibas held numerous key positions within the Nigerian Navy, including:
– Executive Officer on NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe
– Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School (1997-1998)
– Commander of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka (1998-2000)
– Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2000-2002)
– Naval Provost Marshal (2003-2004)
– Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004-2005)
– Command Operations Officer at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, Lagos (2006)
– Commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006-2009)
– Chief of Administration at Naval Headquarters (2011-2012)
– Navy Secretary (2012-2013)
– Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (2013-2014)
– Chief of Logistics (2014)
– Group Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited (2014)
His tenure as Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021 was marked by significant contributions to Nigeria’s maritime security and naval operations.
Diplomatic Role
Following his retirement from active naval service, Ibas was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021, further extending his service to the nation in the diplomatic arena.
Personal Life
Ibas is married to Barrister Theresa Ibas, and they are blessed with children. His personal interests include reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has exemplified dedication, leadership, and a commitment to Nigeria’s security and diplomatic interests.
The post Who is Vice Admiral Ibas? Meet Rivers State’s New Sole Administrator appeared first on Kano Times.
