March 19, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday met with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.), the newly appointed Administrator of Rivers State, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting followed Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, in which he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the executive and legislative arms for an initial period of six months and appointing Ibas as Administrator.
According to the President, the administrator will not have the power to enact new laws but may formulate regulations necessary for governance, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
Ibas arrived at the Villa at about 12:48 p.m. for the closed-door meeting with the President.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021 before his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.
He began his education at Nko Primary School before completing it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He later attended Hope Waddell Training Institute (1972-1976) and the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977-1979).
His military career commenced at the Nigerian Defence Academy on June 20, 1979, as part of the 26th Regular Course, culminating in his commission as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
Over the years, he held several key positions in the Nigerian Navy, including commanding the Underwater Warfare School, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, and Western Naval Command.
He also served as Director of Maritime Warfare, Navy Secretary, and Chief of Logistics before his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff.
Upon retirement, Ibas transitioned into diplomacy, taking up the role of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.
His extensive experience in security, strategic relations, and governance positioned him for his latest assignment as the Administrator of Rivers State.
He is married to Barrister Theresa Ibas, and they have children. In his leisure time, he enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
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