Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), a former chief of naval staff, has been named administrator of Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu‘s proclamation of a state of emergency.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, he is a famous Nigerian Navy commander with almost four decades of experience. From July 13, 2015, until January 29, 2021, he was the Nigerian Navy’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). He also served as Nigeria’s ambassador in Ghana.
The president announced this decision in his address to the nation on Tuesday, suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state house of assembly for six months due to ongoing political difficulties in the state.
Who is Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas?
Ibas was born in Nko, Cross River State, on September 27, 1960. On June 20, 1979, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
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Ibok Ekwe Ibas education
He finished his elementary schooling at Big Qua Primary School in Calabar in 1971 after starting at Nko Primary School in Nko in 1966. After that, from 1972 to 1976, he attended the Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar.
He attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, from 1977 to 1979 before enrolling in the Nigerian Defense Academy in 1979. Ibas began his studies at Nko Primary School and finished at Big Qua Primary School in 1971. He attended the Hope Waddell Training Institute from 1972 to 1976, followed by the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja from 1977 to 1979. In 1979, he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
His professional military education has included training at INS Venduruthy in India, the 301 Primary Flying Training School in Kaduna, the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, and the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan. He also has a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad.
Career
Ibas has served in the Nigerian Navy in a number of capacities. He served aboard NNS Aradu, NNS Obuma, and NNS Ruwan Yaro as a midshipman. After being commissioned as a sub-lieutenant, he later served as a watchkeeping officer aboard NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe.
Later, he was appointed lieutenant commander and would serve as executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe from July 1993 to August 1996. From August 1997 to September 1998, he served as the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School.
From September 1998 to June 2000, he was the commanding officer of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka. He was assigned as a directing staff member at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, from June 2000 to June 2002 as a result of his exceptional performance in the Senior Staff Course.
Later, in January 2009, he returned to the institution to serve as the Department of Maritime Warfare’s director, a role he maintained until November 2010. From January to February 2014, he served as deputy commandant during his final stint at the college.
From April 2003 to June 2004, Ibas served as the naval provost marshal. From June 2004 to July 2005, he was the main staff officer of the then-CNS. From June to December 2006, he served as the command operations officer at Headquarters Western Naval Command, Lagos.
From December 2006 to January 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo. Later, from September 2010 to March 2011, the senior officer served as chief staff officer at Headquarters, Naval Training Command, Lagos.
The senior officer was first assigned to Naval Headquarters as the chief of administration from March 2011 to February 2012 and then as the Navy Secretary from February 2012 to January 2013 in recognition of his versatility in staff tasks and administration.
From January 2013 to January 2014, he was the flag commander in charge of Western Naval Command. In February 2014, he was named chief of logistics, and in December of the same year, he was named GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited. He remained in this position until July 13, 2015, when he was named the 22nd chief of the Naval Staff.
Administrator of Rivers State
In an official broadcast on March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the state’s assembly members, incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
With this announcement, all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, together with the governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, are suspended for a first six months. Following the announcement, the President nominated the retired Vice Admiral as Interim Administrator of the State’s Affairs.
The Administrator will not create any new laws. He shall, however, be free to create any regulations deemed essential to carry out his duties, although such regulations must be reviewed and approved by the Federal Executive Council before being proclaimed by the President for the state.
Personal Life
He is married to Theresa Ibas and has three children. Ibas enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and golfing.
Net Worth
As of 2025, his net worth is expected to be $5 million (not according to Forbes).
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