There could not have been a better administrator with the panache and demeanour to connect the dots and restore peace in Rivers State under the present circumstance, than retired Vice Amiral Ibokette Ekwe Ibas.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice of the calm and peaceful Ibas, a son of Nko, Cross River State, may just be the tonic for the rebirth of the oil-rich state, where peace has been on vacation in the recent past. Truly so.

Ibas, appointed sole administrator of Rivers State on Tuesday night by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the wake of the lingering crisis in the state, is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of effective administration and management of human and material resources.

His extensive experience in the Nigerian Navy, where he rose to the rank of Vice Admiral and served as Chief of Naval Staff, has equipped him with the skills and expertise necessary to excel in this new role.

Born and raised in a family that values discipline, hard work and integrity, Ibas’ parental upbringing and training instilled in him the strong moral compass that has guided his personal and professional life over the years.

His parents’ emphasis on honesty, fairness and accountability has shaped his leadership style, which is characterized by transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and a commitment to doing what is right, just and fair.

As a decorated naval officer, Ibas has always demonstrated exceptional leadership and managerial abilities, successfully overseeing complex operations and managing diverse teams.

His experience in strategic planning, policy development and implementation will undoubtedly guide him well in addressing the challenges facing Rivers State at the moment.

Ibas’s strong sense of discipline and integrity will be a major asset that will be deployed in the management of the human and financial resources of the state. His ability to maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, even in the face of adversity during his active days in the military earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and subordinates.

From the day he retired from active service till now, Ibas has not changed. He is known to be consistently consistent in character. This same discipline and integrity will enable him to make tough but rewarding decisions, uphold accountability and ensure that the resources of Rivers State are utilized efficiently and effectively for the good of the people, most of who have wailed in the past months, as a result of the politic debacle that almost brought the state to its knees.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/ibas-getting-ready-to-connect-the-dots-in-rivers/