13 Things You May Not Know About River State Sole Administrator

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), as the sole administrator of Rivers State.

The appointment follows the declaration of a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara for an initial period of six months.

Tinubu stated, “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

13 Things You May Not Know About Rivers State Sole Administrator

Here are 13 key facts about Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas:

1. Former Chief of Naval Staff – He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of Nigeria from 2015 to 2021.

2. Cross River State Origin – He hails from Nko, Cross River State, and not Rivers State.

3. Military Training Abroad – He trained in multiple countries, including the United States, India, and Pakistan.

4. Expert in Underwater Warfare – He specialized in underwater warfare at the Nigerian Navy’s Underwater Warfare School, NNS Quorra.

5. Amphibious Warfare Specialist – He studied amphibious warfare at the United States Marine Corps University in Virginia.

6. Former Navy Secretary – He was responsible for key administrative roles in the Nigerian Navy, including serving as Navy Secretary from 2012 to 2013.

7. Held Various Leadership Positions – He held several top military positions, including Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Chief of Logistics.

8. Former Naval Air Base Commander – He commanded the Naval Air Base, Ojo, from 2006 to 2009, demonstrating his leadership across different naval operations.

9. Academic Excellence – He holds a master’s degree in defense and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan.

10. Appointed Due to a State of Emergency – His appointment as Rivers State Sole Administrator on March 18, 2025, followed President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

11. Early Education Background – He began his primary education at Nko Primary School in 1966 and completed it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.

12. Attended Prestigious Schools – He studied at Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, before attending the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, between 1977 and 1979.

13. Family Life – He is married to Theresa Ibas, and they are blessed with three children.