In a nationwide address on Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu announced the six-month suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly.
Following escalating political tensions in the oil-rich state, he declared a state of emergency and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as administrator.
Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd), who served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, will oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
Distinguished Military Career
The 64-year-old Ibas, born in Nko, Cross River State, brings over four decades of naval experience to his new role. His military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course, where he was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983.
Ibas received extensive military education both locally and internationally, including training in India, at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, the Marine Corps University in Virginia, and the National Defence College in Pakistan. He holds a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad.
Throughout his naval career, Ibas served in numerous leadership positions, including commanding officer of several naval facilities, Naval Provost marshal, and Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command. Following his military service, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana.
Decorated Officer
The administrator has received numerous military honours, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Distinguished Service Star, and the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), which was conferred in 2022.
Political analysts believe Ibas’s appointment aims to restore stability to Rivers State, which has been embroiled in political crisis in recent months.
The state of emergency is expected to last six months, during which Ibas will be tasked with maintaining peace and order in the strategically important Niger Delta state.
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