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President Tinubu Appoints Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Administrator of Rivers State
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.

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.
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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: We stand by recall process — Kogi Central constituents

Ebira indigenes have strongly condemned claims that the recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, lacks majority support from the electorate.
Some indigenes from across the five local government areas of Kogi Central have reaffirmed their commitment to recalling the senator, citing the embarrassment she has allegedly caused the senatorial district—an issue they claim has now gained international attention.
In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim, President of the Kogi Central Elites Forum, KCEF, and Prince Akerejola Johnson of Ogori/Magongo LGA, the constituents dismissed allegations that the recall exercise was manipulated or orchestrated by external forces.
“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are united in this cause. Historically, Ebiras cannot be deceived. What she has done has largely been propaganda.
“Even those of us who initially supported her on social media have withdrawn our support. We cannot compromise the integrity of our state and country for the self-serving, immature actions of a senator.
“A simple matter of refusing an assigned Senate seat should not have escalated into a national embarrassment with baseless allegations of ‘sexual harassment’, especially when all evidence points to blackmail. This is not who we are as Ebiras,” the statement read.
Addressing the disclaimer by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, regarding the recall process, the constituents clarified that INEC’s involvement comes later in the process.
“INEC has no official role until the signature collection phase is completed. We, the petitioners, are responsible for ensuring that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification. That is when INEC steps in,” they stated.
They urged the public to disregard misleading narratives, emphasising that political statements often reflect individual biases and vested interests.
As Ebira people, we are determined to bring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan back home. Perhaps, during her time here, she will gain a better understanding of the responsibilities of representing her constituents.
“Ordinarily, we would never tolerate intimidation of our daughter if she were in the right.
However, in this case, she disrespected the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which operates under clear rules, and introduced narratives previously unheard of in Senate history.
“We have conducted our investigations and know the truth. Lawmaking is not content creation, as many have suggested.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must return home to learn the fundamentals of legislative representation,” the statement added.
This development follows allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which has further fuelled controversy within the National Assembly.
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Rivers sole administrator pledges stability, warns against violence

The sole administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has assured residents that his role is non-political and aimed at restoring governance and stability.
In a state broadcast on Thursday, Ibas, who officially commenced his duties at Government House, Port Harcourt, reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring citizens’ safety.
However, he issued a strong warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to reject any attempts to reignite past hostilities.
He described the prolonged political crisis as a major setback for governance and democracy in the state and acknowledged the hardships families and businesses have endured due to the ongoing uncertainty.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, calling it a necessary step to restore order and revive economic activity.
He assured that he would uphold the rule of law, but warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people.
“My mandate is clear: to restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth.
“But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he said.
He revealed that a State Security Council meeting had been convened, during which strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, Ibas also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
Ibas added: “I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater.”
News
JUST IN: Reps in another shouting match over Rivers emergency rule

The House of Representatives on Thursday erupted into a rowdy session and shouting match as lawmakers debate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request seeking ratification of the state of emergency declared in River State.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had upon resumption of plenary read the request of the president seeking the ratification of the House in respect of the state of emergency declared in River State.
The Speaker after reading the letter asked the leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, to move a motion for second reading of the request to enable lawmakers debate the request.
However, trouble started when a lawmaker, Obi Aguocha, raised a point of order, drawing the attention of the Speaker to the need for the House to form a quorum as required by the constitution.
The point of Order raised by lawmaker led to a shouting match and rowdy session from lawmakers with Speaker urging them to calm down.
This is the second time in 24 hours that the lawmaker would engage in heated argument over the President’s request.
Details later…
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