Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the sole administrator of Rivers State following a state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday. This appointment, made in response to a deepening political crisis in the state, has placed Ibas at the helm of one of Nigeria’s most politically and economically significant regions. But who is Ibokette Ibas, the man tasked with navigating Rivers State through this turbulent period?
At 64, Ibas brings decades of military experience to his new role. Born in Cross River State, he enjoyed a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, where he reached the pinnacle of his service as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held from 2015 to 2021. His journey into military service began in 1979 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26th Regular Course. By 1983, he had been commissioned as a sub-lieutenant, marking the start of a career that would span several decades and numerous leadership positions.
Ibas’s military training is extensive and international. He holds a Diploma in Amphibious Warfare from the United States Marine Corps University in Virginia, and a long course certificate in Underwater Warfare from the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School. His education also includes a Senior Staff Course Certificate from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Nigeria, as well as a National Defence Course Certificate from the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan. His Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan further cemented his expertise in military strategy and defence management.
Beyond his formal military qualifications, Ibas received leadership training at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in the United States, where he honed his skills in governance and security strategy. He also undertook Homeland Security and Operational Units Training in Tel Aviv, Israel, giving him a broad international perspective on defence matters.
Throughout his career, Ibas held numerous key positions within the Navy, leading various operations and initiatives. His early service included time aboard ships such as NNS Obuma and NNS Aradu, where he gained firsthand experience in naval operations. He later commanded the Underwater Warfare School, the Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, and the Naval Air Base in Ojo, Lagos. His administrative expertise came to the fore during his time as Navy Secretary, overseeing personnel management, and as Chief of Administration at the Naval Headquarters, where he was responsible for strategic planning and logistics.
Ibas’s leadership was most prominent during his tenure as the Chief of the Naval Staff, where he led efforts to expand the Nigerian Navy’s fleet, improve maritime security, and combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. His strategic direction also included enhancing Nigeria’s naval capabilities, improving the operational efficiency of naval personnel, and strengthening the country’s naval presence in the region.
Recognised for his dedication and service, Ibas has received several national and international awards, including the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), a prestigious honour bestowed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.
Now, as the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibokette Ibas faces the challenge of managing a state at the heart of Nigeria’s oil industry, which has been marred by political instability. His military background equips him with a wealth of experience in crisis management, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making—skills that will be crucial in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The appointment of Ibokette Ibas is seen as a rare but significant intervention by the federal government in local governance, signalling the urgency with which the administration aims to resolve the political deadlock in Rivers State. As the state struggless with internal strife, Ibas’s leadership will be closely watched, and his ability to balance military precision with political acumen will be vital in navigating the complexities of governance in this troubled region.
