Profile of Rivers State Military Administrator, ex-chief of naval staff Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas

Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas: Profile of Rivers State Military Administrator

Full Name: Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
Date of Birth: September 27, 1960
State of Origin: Cross River State, Nigeria
Current Position: Rivers State Military Administrator

Early Life & Education

Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas hails from Nko in Cross River State. He began his primary education at Nko Primary School and later completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. Between 1972 and 1976, he attended the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar. He furthered his studies at the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, in 1977 before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1979.

During his military career, he attended several advanced courses, including the Amphibious Warfare School at the U.S. Marine Corps University, Virginia, and the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan. He also earned a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

Military Career

Ibas had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, serving in various operational and command roles. He steadily rose through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (2015-2021). He retired from active service in 2021 after over four decades in the military (1979-2021).

Awards & Recognition

Ibas received several awards for his service, including the ECOMOG Medal and Forces Service Star. In 2021, he was conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Appointment as Rivers State Military Administrator

Following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis, Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the military administrator of the state. His appointment comes amid tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, a key ally of the president.

With his extensive leadership and crisis management experience, Ibas is expected to oversee governance in Rivers State during this period of emergency rule.