By Ebiere Kekeboro
Admiral Iboke-ete Ibas has been appointed as the administrator of Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. This decision comes after Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Who is Ibok-Ete Ibas?
Ibas was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria. He had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, serving as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from July 13, 2015, to January 29, 2021. Ibas also served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana.
Education and Training
Ibas began his education at Nko Primary School and later attended Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar. He furthered his education at the Nigerian Defence Academy and obtained a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Ibas also underwent various training programs, including the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India, and the Amphibious Warfare Course at the United States Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia .
Naval Career
Throughout his career, Ibas held various key positions, including commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, naval provost marshal, and chief of logistics. He was also the flag officer commanding Western Naval Command and the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited .
Awards and Decorations
Ibas has received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and the General Service Star. He is also a recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).