On Tuesday evening, President Bola Tinubu announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, for a period of six months.
Additionally, all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial six months during a nationwide broadcast.
The President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and alleged constitutional violations by Governor Fubara. This decision follows tensions between the Governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly, whose leadership aligns with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
In his address, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs, emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of Rivers State residents.
Here are ten key facts about Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd):
1. Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.
2. Served as the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021.
3. Joined the Nigerian Defence Academy on June 20, 1979, as part of the 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
4. Completed his primary education at Nko Primary School and Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, before attending Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976.
5. Studied at the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja, from 1977 to 1979, before enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy.
6. Attended the National Defence College in Islamabad, Pakistan, from August 2005 to June 2006, earning a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University.
7. Received numerous awards during his naval career, including the Silver Jubilee Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, and General Service Star.
8. Conferred with the Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in October 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
9. Married to Theresa Ibas, with whom he has three children.
10. Enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.