Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Administrator of Rivers State, previously served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.
His appointment follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers due to the vandalization of oil pipelines.
Tinubu stated that former Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to engage with him on the crisis.
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Key Facts About Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas:
Early Life and Education
Born in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas joined 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. He attended Nko Primary School and later completed his primary education at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar (1972–1976), before attending the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977–1979). In 1979, he enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Military Training and Qualifications
Ibas has undergone extensive military training both in Nigeria and abroad. He completed:
- Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy, India (1983–1984).
- Primary Pilot Training at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986–1987).
- Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1990).
- Diploma in Amphibious Warfare from the United States Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia (1993).
- Specialization in Underwater Warfare at NNS Quorra (1994–1995).
- Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1996–1997).
- National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan (2005–2006).
He also holds a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Naval Career
Ibas has held numerous positions in the Nigerian Navy, including:
- Executive Officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe (1993–1996).
- Commanding Officer of Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School (1997–1998).
- Commanding Officer of Forward Operating Base, Ibaka (1998–2000).
- Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2000–2002).
- Naval Provost Marshal (2003–2004).
- Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005).
- Commander of Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006–2009).
- Chief Staff Officer at Naval Training Command, Lagos (2010–2011).
- Navy Secretary (2012–2013).
- Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command (2013–2014).
- Chief of Logistics (2014).
- GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited (2014–2015).
- Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021).
Awards and Honours
Ibas has received multiple military awards, including:
- Silver Jubilee Medal
- ECOMOG Medal
- Forces Service Star
- Meritorious Service Star
- Distinguished Service Star
- General Service Star
- Passed Staff Course (DAGGER)
- Fellow of the National Defence College (NDC)
In October 2022, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Personal Life
Vice Admiral Ibas is married to Theresa Ibas, and they have three children.
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