Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has been nominated as the state’s Administrator. Here are 11 key facts about him:
- Former Chief of Naval Staff – Ibas served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021.
- Birthplace & Date – He was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State.
- Education (Primary & Secondary) – He attended Nko Primary School and Big Qua Primary School in Calabar before proceeding to Hope Waddell Training Institute and the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja.
- Military Enlistment – He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course on June 20, 1979, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
- Specialized Military Training – Ibas trained in India, the U.S., Pakistan, and Nigeria, including courses in amphibious warfare, maritime strategy, and air operations.
- Master’s Degree – He holds a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Naval Experience – Served on multiple Nigerian Navy ships, including NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu, and later commanded naval bases and training institutions.
- Key Command Positions – He was the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Chief of Logistics, and CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.
- Academia & Training – He was a directing staff and later Deputy Commandant at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
- Military Administration Roles – Held roles such as Navy Secretary, Chief of Administration, and Command Operations Officer at the Western Naval Command.
- Family Life – He is married to Theresa Ibas, and they have three children.
With his extensive military and leadership experience, Ibas is now tasked with managing the affairs of Rivers State under the emergency rule.