Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas’s extensive military background, leadership experience, and diplomatic service make him a suitable choice to navigate Rivers State through its current challenges. His appointment reflects the federal government’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring effective governance in the state.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria, 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.
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Ibas began his primary education at Nko Primary School and completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He attended Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, and then proceeded to the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979. In June 1979, he enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
Throughout his military career, Ibas attended several courses, including the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy in India, Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna, and the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. He also holds a master’s degree in defense and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ibas held various appointments in the Nigerian Navy, serving on multiple naval ships and in several leadership positions. He was the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, and the Naval Air Base, Ojo. He also served as the naval provost marshal, principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff, and command operations officer at the Western Naval Command. His distinguished service earned him several prestigious awards, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and the General Service Star.
On July 13, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ibas as the Chief of Naval Staff. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security and bolstering the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Navy. He served in this capacity until his retirement in January 2021.
Following his retirement, Ibas was appointed as the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, where he served until March 2025. In a decisive move to address the political and governance crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025. Consequently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months. To restore stability and oversee the administration of the state during this period, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.