President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State.

This followed the suspension of the state’s governor Siminalayi Fubara, today.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State.He  is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and diplomat.

He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.

In recognition of his outstanding service, he was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.

Ibas began his early education at Nko Primary School before completing it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.

He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute (1972-1976) and later attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977-1979).

His naval journey commenced at the Nigerian Defence Academy on June 20, 1979, as part of the 26th Regular Course, leading to his commission as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.

His commitment to professional development saw him undergo extensive military training.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas held numerous key positions in the Nigerian Navy. As a midshipman, he served aboard NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu.

After commissioning as a sub-lieutenant, he was a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe. Between 1993 and 1996, he became the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe.

He later commanded the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School (1997–1998) and Forward Operating Base Ibaka (1998–2000).

Having excelled in the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2000–2002) and later served as Director, Maritime Warfare (2009–2010) and Deputy Commandant (2014).

Ibas was the naval provost marshal (2003–2004) and principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005).

He served as command operations officer, Western Naval Command (2006) and commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006–2009).

He later became chief staff officer, Naval Training Command (2010–2011), chief of administration, Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), and Navy Secretary (2012–2013).

He commanded the Western Naval Command (2013–2014) before being appointed chief of logistics (2014) and GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings (2014).

On 13 July 2015, he became the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff. Upon retirement from active naval service, Ibas transitioned into diplomacy, serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana from 2021.

His appointment underscored his vast experience in security, strategic relations, and international diplomacy.

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis and governance paralysis.

In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation.

He said: “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.

“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail.

“No responsible President will stand by without taking action.

To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.

“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended,” he said. (Vanguard).

What is a state of emergency?

A state of emergency is a situation where a government temporarily assumes extraordinary powers to manage a crisis, ensuring the safety and protection of its citizens.

This can be declared during natural disasters, civil unrest, armed conflicts, medical pandemics, or other biosecurity risks.

In such situations, certain rights and freedoms may be suspended, depending on the severity of the emergency and the government’s policies.

The specific provisions and regulations vary across countries, but the primary goal is to maintain public order, stability, and security.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two persons in connection with the explosion that rocked the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC,-operated Trans Niger Delta Pipeline.

The incident occurred from Monday night through to Tuesday morning at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement that a “thorough investigation to determine the cause” of the explosion, which resulted in an inferno, has commenced.

The PPRO confirmed that “two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage.”

“The Command remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities are identified and brought to justice.

“We urge residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them of our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain peace and security for all.

“For any useful information regarding this incident or any suspicious activities, members of the public are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or call these lines,” the statement added.