The political drama in Rivers State has taken a new turn with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Ibas as the new head of the state. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency and remove Fubara from office has sparked intense debates, raising questions about governance, political maneuvering, and the future of Rivers State.
But who is Ibas, the man now at the helm of affairs in Rivers State? Why was he appointed, and what challenges does he face in leading a state caught in political turmoil? Let’s break it all down.
Who Is Ibas?
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy. His educational journey began at Nko Primary School, followed by Big Qua Primary School in Calabar. He attended Hope Waddell Training Institute from 1972 to 1976 and later the School of Basic Studies in Ogoja between 1977 and 1979. In June 1979, he enlisted in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26 Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
Throughout his career, Ibas attended several notable military courses, including:
- Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy in India (April 1983 – May 1984)
- Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna (April 1986 – October 1987)
- Junior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna (January 1990 – June 1990)
His extensive training and dedication led to his appointment as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy, a position he held from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.
Ibas is stepping into the spotlight at a critical time, but many Nigerians are unfamiliar with his background. A seasoned administrator and politician, his past roles suggest he has experience in governance, but the extent of his influence in Rivers politics remains to be seen.
His appointment has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether he has the political strength to navigate Rivers State’s complex power struggles. Others see him as a neutral figure who might stabilize the situation—at least temporarily.
Why Was He Appointed?
The crisis in Rivers State reached a boiling point following allegations of misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Accused of breaching financial regulations and obstructing legislative duties, Fubara found himself at odds with key political figures. The conflict escalated, eventually leading to his suspension by President Tinubu under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
With Fubara out of the picture—at least for now—Tinubu needed a trusted figure to oversee the state’s affairs. Enter Ibas, who has now been tasked with leading Rivers State through this period of uncertainty.
Public and Political Reactions
Not surprisingly, Ibas’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions.
- Supporters of Fubara see this as a political coup and an attempt to weaken Rivers State’s democratic structure.
- The opposition and political analysts are questioning the legality of Tinubu’s intervention, with some arguing that the constitution does not explicitly allow the president to remove a governor in this manner.
- Ordinary Rivers residents, on the other hand, are divided—some just want stability, while others fear that this move will only deepen the state’s political crisis.
Social media has been buzzing with heated debates, and protests may not be far off if tensions continue to rise.
Challenges Ahead for Ibas
Ibas steps into power at a time of serious political and economic instability. Some of the key challenges he will face include:
- Gaining Public Trust – Many Rivers residents remain loyal to Fubara. Will they accept Ibas as their new leader, or will there be resistance?
- Navigating Political Tensions – The battle between different political factions in the state is far from over. Can Ibas maintain peace, or will he be caught in the crossfire?
- Managing Governance Under a State of Emergency – With the suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly, how will governance function smoothly?
- Economic and Security Issues – The ongoing crisis has economic consequences. Businesses, investors, and everyday citizens are already feeling the impact of uncertainty.
What’s Next for Rivers State?
The big question remains: is Ibas a temporary placeholder, or will he become a significant force in Rivers politics? Will Fubara challenge his suspension, or will this mark the beginning of a deeper political crisis?
For now, Rivers State is in a delicate situation, and all eyes are on Ibas to see how he handles this unexpected responsibility. His decisions in the coming weeks will determine whether he can bring stability or if the state will plunge further into political chaos.
One thing is certain—Nigerians will be watching.
