By Funmilayo Akinyemi
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas is a retired officer of the Nigerian Navy and a respected public figure.
247nextnews.com reports that President Bola Tinubu appointed him Administrator of Rivers State on Tuesday, after he declared a state of emergency in the State.
This led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly for six months.
Ibas was born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State.
Ibas attended Hope Waddell Training Institute for his early education.
He began his Military career in 1979 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, and he became an officer in 1983.
He later pursued advanced military training and earned a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan.
Ibas served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, which is one of the top roles in the Nigerian Navy.
He also represented Nigeria as an Ambassador to Ghana, where he showcased his diplomatic skills.
As Administrator, Ibas is expected to bring back peace and stability to Rivers State during this time of crisis.
Though he cannot pass new laws, he can propose regulations that must be approved by the Federal Executive Council.
He is married to Barrister Theresa Ibas, and they have children.
In his free time, he enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
