Rivers Crisis: Who Is Ibas? 20 Remarkable Facts About Rivers’ New Administrator
Following yesterday’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s sole administrator on Tuesday.
The sudden State of Emergency has led to the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected Cabinet members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), the appointed sole administrator of Rivers State, will henceforth assume operational control of the state. Let’s explore 20 remarkable facts about Ibas:
1. First Military Sole Administrator in Rivers’ History – Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) is the first military figure to be appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a State of Emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
2. Former Chief of Naval Staff – Ibas served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of Nigeria from 2015 to 2021, playing a key role in shaping the Nigerian Navy’s strategic operations.
3. Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) – He was conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022 for his contributions to national security.
4. A Scholar in Defence and Strategy – Ibas holds a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan, making him a highly educated military strategist.
5. Alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School – He underwent capacity development training at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in the United States in 2013, equipping him with global leadership skills.
6. Expert in Underwater Warfare – Ibas specialized in underwater warfare during his long-course training at the Nigerian Navy’s Underwater Warfare School.
7. Trained in Amphibious Warfare in the U.S. – He attended the Amphibious Warfare School at the Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia, in the United States in 1993.
8. Multi-Decorated Officer – Throughout his career, he earned multiple prestigious awards, including the ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, and General Service Star.
9. Served as Naval Provost Marshal – Ibas was once the Naval Provost Marshal, overseeing discipline and order within the Nigerian Navy.
10. Held Key Leadership Positions in the Navy – Before becoming Chief of Naval Staff, he was the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, a critical role in securing Nigeria’s waters.
11. Led Naval Air Operations – He commanded the Naval Air Base in Ojo, overseeing aerial support for maritime security operations.
12. Participated in International Security Exhibitions – Ibas attended the 25th International Homeland Security Exhibition in Tel Aviv, Israel, and the London International Leadership Course in England.
13. Instructor at Armed Forces Command and Staff College – He served as a Directing Staff and later the Deputy Commandant at the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
14. From Cross River to Power – Born in Nko, Cross River State, he has now risen to lead a key political and administrative role in Rivers State.
15. Appointed by Three Nigerian Presidents – Ibas has received key appointments from Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Tinubu, highlighting his strong reputation.
16. Naval Logistics Specialist – He was Chief of Logistics at the Naval Headquarters, responsible for overseeing the supply chain and operational logistics of the Nigerian Navy.
17. Ran a Multi-Billion Naira Defence Corporation – He served as the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited, overseeing defence-related businesses and maritime security investments.
18. Highly Trained Aviator – Ibas completed Primary Pilot Training at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna, demonstrating his expertise beyond naval warfare.
19. Passionate About Maritime Security – He played a vital role in the fight against sea piracy and oil bunkering in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
20. The Man with a Crisis Mandate – His appointment as Sole Administrator of Rivers State comes at a time of intense political turmoil, making him one of the most powerful figures in the state’s history.
