President Bola Tinubu has named a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, an administrator for Rivers State. The appointment was made a
President Bola Tinubu has named a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, an administrator for Rivers State.
The appointment was made after the President declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers for six months.
Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday during a national broadcast.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he said.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria, Ibas is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and diplomat.
He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.
In recognition of his outstanding service, he was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.
Ibas began his early education at Nko Primary School before completing it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute (1972-1976) and later attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977-1979).
His naval journey commenced at the Nigerian Defence Academy on June 20, 1979, as part of the 26th Regular Course, leading to his commission as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
His commitment to professional development saw him undergo extensive military training.
Ibas held numerous key positions in the Nigerian Navy.
As a midshipman, he served aboard NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu.
After commissioning as a sub-lieutenant, he was a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe. Between 1993 and 1996, he became the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe.
He later commanded the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School (1997–1998) and Forward Operating Base Ibaka (1998–2000). Excelling in the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2000–2002) and later served as Director, Maritime Warfare (2009–2010) and Deputy Commandant (2014).
Ibas was the naval provost marshal (2003–2004) and principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005). He served as command operations officer, Western Naval Command (2006) and commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006–2009). He later became chief staff officer, Naval Training Command (2010–2011), chief of administration, Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), and Navy Secretary (2012–2013).
He commanded the Western Naval Command (2013–2014) before being appointed chief of logistics (2014) and GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings (2014). On 13 July 2015, he became the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff.
Upon retirement from active naval service, Ibas transitioned into diplomacy, serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana from 2021. His appointment underscored his vast experience in security, strategic relations, and international diplomacy.
Ibas is married to Barrister Theresa Ibas, and they are blessed with children.
Beyond his professional engagements, he enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
