Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas
Retired Naval Chief Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, New Rivers Military Administrator: A Profile
Retired Chief of Naval Staff, 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 in the oil-rich region.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Mr. Ibas served as Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, capping a distinguished naval career that spanned from 1979 until his retirement in 2021.
Mr. Ibas began his education at Nko Primary School in 1966 and completed his primary education at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.
He later attended Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar from 1972 to 1976. In 1977, he enrolled at the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja before joining the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, holding various positions until his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ibas attended numerous military courses both locally and internationally. These included training at the Amphibious Warfare School of the U.S. Marine Corps University in Virginia in 1992 and the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan.
He also earned a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad.
At 64, Mr. Ibas has received several accolades for his service, including the ECOMOG Medal and the Forces Service Star. He was also honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His appointment as Rivers State military administrator comes amid escalating tensions between Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, a key ally of President Tinubu. The state of emergency declaration aims to address the ongoing hostilities and restore stability in the region.
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