- President Tinubu declared state of emergency in Rivers State for six months, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the legislature
- Subsequently, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the state’s sole administrator
- TheRadar profiled the new administrator, appointed to steer the state during the critical period below
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state's legislature for an initial six-month period.
The president's decision, announced in a nationwide address, on March 18, 2025, was described as being "in the interest of the good people of Rivers State."
As part of the unprecedented intervention, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed as the sole administrator to steer the state during this critical period.
TheRadar profiled the new administrator below:
Early life and education of Ibok-Ete Ibas
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas began his educational journey at Nko Primary School, before transferring to Big Qua Primary School in Calabar, where he completed his primary education in 1971.
He then attended the Hope Waddell Training Institute from 1972 to 1976, followed by further studies at the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja from 1977 to 1979.
Ibas' path to the military began when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in June 1979 as part of the 26th Regular Course.
His foundational education laid the groundwork for his distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy.
Military training and career of Ibok-Ete Ibas
Ibok-Ete Ibas' military training spanned several years and international institutions. He underwent a sub-lieutenant technical course at the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Venduruthy, India (1983-1984).
He had his primary pilot training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (1986-1987), and attended the US Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia for a diploma in amphibious warfare (1992-1993).
Additionally, Ibas specialised in underwater warfare at the Underwater Warfare School, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra (1994-1995).
His early naval career involved serving aboard various naval ships, including NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, NNS Aradu, NNS Ayam, and NNS Ekpe.
After being commissioned as a sub-lieutenant, he became a watchkeeping officer, gaining invaluable experience at sea.
Rise through the ranks
As he advanced in his naval career, Ibas took on several important leadership roles. Between 1993 and 1996, he served as executive officer of multiple ships, including NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe.
From 1997 to 2000, he commanded the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School and the Forward Operating Base Ibaka.
Ibas’ performance at the senior staff course earned him a position as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, from 2000 to 2002.
His continued excellence led him back to the college in 2009, where he served as director of the department of maritime warfare until 2010.
His leadership experience also included key roles such as naval provost marshal, principal staff officer to then-Chief of Naval Staff Samuel Afolayan, and command operations officer at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
From December 2006 to 2009, he also served as the commander of the Naval Air Base in Ojo.
Chief of Naval Staff and later roles
Ibas’ career reached its peak in 2015 when he was appointed the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff. He held this prestigious position until his retirement in January 2021, passing the baton to his successor, A. Z. Gambo.
During his tenure, he led the Nigerian Navy through numerous challenges and innovations.
Following his retirement, Ibas was appointed as an ambassador to Ghana by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021.
His service to the nation was further recognised when he was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022.
Role of Ibok-Ete Ibas as Rivers State administrator
In his new role as the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibas was tasked with guiding the state through the six-month emergency governance period.
The president said, “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 by their constitutional mandate.
“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.
“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.”
Wike vs Fubara: 12 other Nigerian governors who fought with their predecessors
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Political feuds between former governors and their successors have continued to destabilise Nigeria's democracy.
The ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike in Rivers State is a stark example. TheRadar compiled 12 other prominent examples of such fallout, to further emphasise the ongoing issue