Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, has vowed to restore stability and drive development in the oil-rich South-South state.
Addressing stakeholders in Port Harcourt on April 10, 2025, during a tour of vandalized infrastructure, Ibas outlined a strategic vision to tackle the region’s persistent security challenges and address long-standing developmental deficits. His appointment, prompted by a political crisis and escalating violence, positions him to lead Rivers State through a critical six-month period, leveraging his extensive experience as a former Chief of Naval Staff and diplomat.
Rivers State has faced significant security threats, including cult-related violence, oil pipeline vandalism, and political unrest, which have undermined public safety and economic progress. Ibas, drawing on his naval background, emphasized intelligence-led security operations as a cornerstone of his administration. During a courtesy visit by participants of Senior Course 47 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) on May 5, 2025, he underscored the importance of grassroots intelligence to combat insecurity, urging the group to propose practical solutions. He highlighted that security challenges deter investment and reduce government revenue, necessitating a coordinated approach involving security agencies, local leaders, and communities. His administration has prioritized collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, and Department of State Services, as evidenced by his reception by these agencies upon assuming office.
Ibas has also committed to decisive action against criminal activities, particularly in the Niger Delta, where Rivers State’s oil infrastructure is a frequent target. His experience combating piracy and illegal oil bunkering as Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021) informs his strategy, which includes strengthening law enforcement presence and fostering community engagement to prevent violence. He has directed local government administrators to enhance security within their domains, warning that negligence will not be tolerated. Additionally, Ibas has advocated for dialogue with traditional rulers and youth groups to address root causes of unrest, such as unemployment and resource disputes, aiming to build trust and prevent escalation.
On the development front, Ibas has focused on reversing Rivers State’s infrastructure decay and economic stagnation. During his April 10, 2025, inspection of vandalized facilities, including the Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Council Secretariats and the Rumueche Community General Hospital, he expressed dismay at the extent of destruction and neglect. He pledged to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and roads, to improve living standards and stimulate economic activity. Ibas has collaborated with permanent secretaries to assess ongoing projects, ensuring interventions are data-driven and aligned with the state’s needs. His administration has secured the release of withheld federal allocations, enabling prompt salary payments and funding for development projects, a move he announced on March 21, 2025, to address economic hardship among state workers.
Ibas’s developmental agenda also emphasizes job creation and empowerment. Recognizing that unemployment fuels insecurity, he has promised vocational training programs and support for small and medium enterprises, particularly in the state’s maritime and agricultural sectors. He has set a six-month target to shift Rivers State’s narrative from crisis to progress, stressing transparency and accountability to prevent financial mismanagement. During his meeting with local government administrators, he directed the submission of detailed wage bills to ensure fiscal discipline, warning against corruption.
Despite his military background, Ibas has emphasized inclusive governance, pledging regular town hall meetings to engage residents and maintain open communication. His call for peace as a prerequisite for prosperity, made during the infrastructure tour, reflects his belief in collective responsibility. However, challenges remain, including public skepticism about the state of emergency and concerns about potential over-reliance on security measures. Ibas’s ability to balance enforcement with reconciliation will be critical to his success. As Rivers State navigates this transitional period, his leadership offers hope for a more secure and prosperous future, contingent on delivering measurable results within his mandate.