Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (CFR, psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc).

Strong indications emerged that President Bola Tinubu considered three major factors for his decision to choose ex-Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete – Ekwe-Ibas to take up the job of Military Sole Administrator for Rivers State over other military officers both serving and retired, who were considered.

The nomination of Ibok Ibas followed the suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu for six months over political disagreement between Governor Fubara and his estranged godfather and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Top security sources hinted that apart from political interest, especially his 2027 re-election bid and the strategic position of Rivers State, the president primarily considered the economic interest of the country, given his projection that the country’s crude oil production would hit 2, 000 barrels per day within the current budget cycle.

The security sources noted that the president was concerned about the threats of the various Ijaw youth groups to blow up major oil pipelines should Governor Fubara, who is their kinsman be removed as governor.

To forestall this, the President needed a military officer, who is versed in underwater war strategies, which was a major selling point for Ibok-Ete-Abas. The ex-naval chief specialised in Underwater Warfare at NNS Quorra far back in 1994.

He is also a midshipman, having been posted on board NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu. Similarly, following his commission, he also served as a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe.

Between 1993 and 1996, he was the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe. He also served as the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from 1997 to 1998 and later led the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, from 1998 to year 2000. These qualifications and experiences placed him above other contenders to effectively curb whatever the Ijaw militants might want to do in the Niger Delta creeks.

Another major consideration was a military officer within the Niger Delta region, who has no form of political affiliation. This is given that the political crisis that has raged in Rivers State has made many to take sides, especially among the Ikwerre and Ijaws. This accounts for why the president opted for someone from Cross River State, not Rivers, Bayelsa or even Delta, who would likely have a soft spot for the Ijaw course.

The third factor, according to the sources was the President’s preference for an officer of Niger Delta origin as against proposals that the search should be extended to other regions, especially North Central.

Recall that prior to his nomination as the Military Administrator, Ibok-Ete-Ibas was Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021 when he retired.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (CFR, psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc) was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria.

He enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course on June 20, 1979, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.

Ibas began his primary education at Nko Primary School and later completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.

He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, before attending the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979.

He furthered his education at the Nigerian Defence Academy and later obtained a master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

He completed the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India, between 1983 and 1984, and underwent Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, between 1986 and 1987.

In 1990, he attended the Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and later participated in the Amphibious Warfare Course at the United States Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia, in 1992.

He completed the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, in 1997.

His staff appointments included serving as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, from 2000 to 2002, and later as deputy commandant in 2014.

He was the naval provost marshal between 2003 and 2004 and served as the principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff from 2004 to 2005.

Between 2006 and 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo, and later the chief staff officer at the Naval Training Command, Lagos, from 2010 to 2011.

He held several other key positions, including chief of administration at the Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), Navy Secretary (2012–2013), and flag officer commanding Western Naval Command (2013–2014). In 2014, he was appointed chief of logistics and subsequently became the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.

On July 13, 2015, Ibas was appointed as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff, a position he held until 2021. Following his retirement from the Navy, he remained an influential figure in national security and maritime affairs.

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. His role involves overseeing governance and restoring order in the state amid political instability.