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Dare Adekanmbi: Understanding Tinubu’s tax bills of reliefs for Nigerians, businesses
Dare Adekanmbi: Understanding Tinubu’s tax bills of reliefs for Nigerians, businesses
The transmission of four bills that aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system to the National Assembly two weeks ago by President Bola Tinubu has sparked debates in the polity about the purpose of the bills. Some have expressed fears that the bills may encapsulate proposals calling for a raise in tax rates in a way that will further burden the citizens. Some Nigerians have received the news with mixed feelings, while others have chosen to wait for details before commenting on the development.
There is no basis to entertain any fear about these bills. If anything, Nigerians are going to commend President Tinubu for focusing on laying a solid foundation that will ensure fiscal stability of the country. When Nigerians get to know the details of the in the documents, they will know that the president is actually working to bring reliefs to them and their businesses.
The four executive bills seek to tidy up the fiscal policy and legislation environment in the country. They are: Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. These bills seek to translate the recommendations by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, into implementable legislative framework for the benefits of Nigerians.
It is common knowledge that one factor which has continued to impede efficiency in Nigeria’s tax system and has negatively impacted revenue is multiplicity of taxes. President Tinubu, in his inauguration speech, had pledged to address the issue of multiple taxation and remove all hurdles against investment in the country. Multiplicity of taxes is one of the issues that the Nigeria Tax Bill seeks to end. This will certainly bring reliefs to corporate Nigeria. Imposition of tax by more than one agency or level of government, without a shadow of doubt, constitutes a chokehold on businesses, especially micro and small businesses as well as individuals.
How will this bill address multiplicity of taxes? In Nigeria today, laws dealing with various aspects of taxation are scattered in different legislations. Some of these laws are: Companies Income Tax Act, Personal Income Tax Act, Capital Gains Tax Act, Value-Added Tax Act, Stamp Duties Act, Petroleum Profits Act, Tertiary Education Fund Act, Petroleum Industry Act and so on. In addition to the tax-specific laws, there are plethora of tax provisions in non-tax laws such as the NLNG Act, Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, NASENI Act, Lottery Act, Companies and Allied Matters Act, etc. The list is seemingly endless.
In enforcing these disparate tax provisions, unintended multiple taxation occurs and this is one of the things that the bill seeks to address. The Nigeria Tax Bill aims to codify of all taxing provisions into one single document to be known as the Nigeria Tax Act when passed into law. In the bill, chapters are devoted to the various tax types in a simplified format. The proposed tax law is also written in a simple language that anyone with basic literary education can read and understand. The complexity of the extant law, for instance, is such that it will be pretty difficult for a Professor of Mathematics to compute his personal income tax on his own because of all the inter-twinning provisions that will befuddle him as to what income is taxable or what deduction is allowable. All these complications and complexities have been removed in the new proposals.
In the proposed law, companies doing businesses within the country have been re-classified into two: small and large. This is done in accordance with the companies’ respective turnover thresholds. A company will be deemed small if its turnover is N50m or less in a year. Under the extant law, any company which records a turnover of N25m or less is not required to pay Companies Income Tax (CIT). In the new tax bill, companies with yearly turnover that is up to N50m will not pay CIT. As regards large companies, that is, those whose turnover thresholds are above N50m, there is a proposal in the bill to give some relief to them. The objective of this succour for such companies is in line with President Tinubu’s avowed commitment to protect small businesses and eliminate inhibitions that negatively impact entrepreneurship in the country.
Perhaps the game-changer among the several pleasant provisions of this document is what the bill seeks to do with VAT. It is an eloquently testimony to the fact that President Tinubu has listened and harkened to the complaints by Nigerians, particularly the ordinary Nigerians who are bearing the substantial brunt of the initial pain of the government’s economic reformation policies. In the proposed law, VAT will not be charged on all items that have direct existential impact on the common people. Items such as food, medicals, education, transport business and agriculture are not chargeable to VAT. For instance, tuition fee or rent paid by proprietors or purchases made by school owners for the purpose of the business of educating Nigerians will be free from VAT. It is the same for owners of hospitals, those in agricbusiness as well as those who buy vehicles for transportation. These are the areas where the lives of the common people will be significantly positively affected, especially in view of the temporary pain of the ongoing reforms.
In addition, certain input VAT which hitherto is not possible to claim under the current law can now be claimed. Another relief the president has put in the bill is that for VAT refunds will be made within 30 days upon completion of paper work by the such companies or entities. Already VAT is not being charged on diesel and petrol. The president had in July this year directed the suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes on importation of food commodities as part of measures to arrest the rising cost of living.
It may interest many to know that VAT rate of 7.5% currently being charged in Nigeria is the lowest on the continent and one of the lowest in the world. Madagascar and Morocco charged 20% VAT in 2022, while it is 19.25% in Cameroon. Many countries of the world, recognising the importance of tax revenue in providing public services, have this year reviewed their VAT upwards with one of the most striking examples being Saudi Arabia which upped its rate from 5% to 15% in July.
Further to the Nigeria Tax Bill, the table of tax rates for individuals has been restructured in a way that brings huge respite to low-income earners. It is worth mentioning that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) does not collect taxes from individuals. It is within the jurisdiction of states’ revenue authorities to collect such income tax from individuals. The only set of individuals who pay personal income tax to FIRS are members of the Armed Forces, members of the diplomatic corps and foreigners earning income in Nigeria. In the new bill, individuals whose annual income is N800, 000 after the deductions of pension and deductible items will not be required to pay personal income tax (PAYEE). However, the elite who earn fat annually will pay more. This is in line with the global principle of progressive taxation which takes more tax from the high earners and a little lower tax from middle earners, while low income individuals pay very little. The pledge of Mr President is that his administration’s fiscal policy will tax prosperity and not poverty.
The second bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, basically seeks to consolidate administrative provisions for all taxes. This bill harmonises all tax administration issues such as registration, filing, payment, dispute resolution, etc for all tax-types and revenue authorities. It also clearly delineates the roles and objectives of all tax authorities in the country as well as their relevant jurisdictions. The aim of this bill is to promote the ease of tax administration, lessen tax compliance burden on the citizens and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
As for the proposed Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, this is seeking to replace the Joint Tax Board (JTB) which has been wobbly since its establishment because it was built on quicksand. The proposed replacement not only addresses the glaring shortcomings in JTB, but also retains the joint control of the body by the federal and state governments. It also seeks the creation of the office of Tax Ombudsto resolve all complaints that may arise from the operations of JRB.
Today, we cannot run away from the cryptocurrency ecosystem because it is the in-thing. But as it stands in Nigeria today, there is no law that regulates cryptocurrency operations. One key highlight of the Nigeria Tax Bill is that it seeks a legislation to regulate the digital currency market said to be worth $1trillion globally. The bill, when passed into law, will arrest the revenue the country has haemorrhaged in the sector. It will be recalled that some executives of one of the biggest cryptocurrency platforms, Binance, are in court for non-payment of taxes among other offences.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill is primarily proposing a change of name for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service. This bill is one which seeks to correct the error of 2007 when Nigeria’s apex tax authority, FIRS, became autonomous as an operational arm of the Federal Board of Inland Revenue (FBIR). The mandate of FIRS is to administer tax laws to assess, collect and account for revenue accruable to the federation and not the Federal Government. Especially when we consider the current sharing formula on VAT revenue, only 15% goes to the Federal Government. The remaining 85% is shared between the states and the local government areas.
Today, tax revenue from FIRS is the main reason the 36 states and the local government councils smile to the banks monthly during their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting. A total of N17.8trillion accrued to the Federation Account between January and July this year. FIRS tax revenue alone contributed N11.7trillion, representing 65.8 percent of the total money disbursed to the federal, state and local government councils to meet their needs.
Giving such a critical agency an appellation which suggests it is collecting tax solely for Federal Government is improper and must be corrected. Another error in the current name is contained in the word ‘Inland’ which restricts the agency to the collection of taxes within the interior territory of the country. Nigeria has huge revenue to collect from offshore transactions and only a repeal of FIRS (Establishment) Act 2007 to pave the way for the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act can make that happen. Those suggesting that the proposed name change will translate to other revenue agencies being subsumed or merged with NRS need to get copies of the bill to clear their doubt.
The general principle of the four tax bills is not just to modernise the tax system in the country, but also to ensure that relief is created for ordinary Nigerians and businesses. And so, for insulating the poor from VAT payment through exemptions of good and services that directly impact their lives, for making VAT neutral for businesses through enabling deduction of input tax from out VAT, President Tinubu has demonstrated fidelity to his commitment that government policies must allow the poor to breathe and not suffocate. Tinubu deserves to be applauded as a leader who listens to the yearnings of the citizens.
Dare Adekanmbi is the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman.
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Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)
Again! Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Prevents Portable Re-Arrest in Kwara On New Petition (See Full Details)
Nigeria fuji icon, Saheed Akorede popularly known as Osupa, on Tuesday prevented the re-arrest of Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable after another petition surfaced against him.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that legendary Fuji musician discontinued his case against Portable on Tuesday following an appeal by prominent Nigerians to settle the matter out of court.
In a new development, Mr Yemi George, Managing Director of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, told NAN on Tuesday that Osupa prevailed on him not to re-arrest Portable after collecting the sum of N6.3m for a show that he did not perform.
“I have obtained every necessary documents to re-arrest him today in order to refund my money but out of respect for the legendary fuji musician (Osupa) , he prevailed on me not to.
“My company, Starwood Hotels O2 Arena in collaboration with the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) put an event together for Portable to perform but he never did” George said.
According to a document obtained by NAN, titled Petition for fraudulent and obtaining by false pretense the sum of N6.3m, the petitioners said they entered agreement with Portable on July 22, 2024, which he never respected.
According to the petition, Portable was paid N6.3m to perform at the ‘Kwara Tampan Fiesta’ on September 29, 2024, but failed to appear on stage at the agreed-upon time.
Despite arriving over 16 hours late, he allegedly sneaked out of his hotel lodging without fulfilling his promise to perform.
The petitioners claim that Portable’s actions caused significant financial loss and distress, and they are seeking a thorough investigation, prosecution, and restitution of the N6,300,000 allegedly obtained through fraudulent means.
The petition was signed by Chief Olu Amusan, Governor, TAMPAN and Ayodele Demokun on behalf of Starwogd Hotels 02 Arena
NAN recalls that the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Kwara command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, had in a statement on Sunday confirmed the arrest of Portable following a petition received from Osupa.
The petition borders on serious allegations which includes criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and the use of abusive and insulting words.
Opinion/Letter to the Editor
H.E. Tukur Yusufu Buratai: A Comprehensive Profile from Deepseek
Out of sheer curiosity and a desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of Nigeria’s military history, yesterday I decided to engage with the AI application known as Deepseek, posing a question about what it knows concerning Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusufu Buratai. My intention was not only to test the depth of the intelligence capabilities of this innovative AI tool but also to acquire a neutral and unbiased report or profile of the former general—something that would be entirely devoid of any flattery or vindictive vilification of his character. What I received from Deepseek as feedback was a detailed and well-structured overview that encapsulated General Buratai’s significant military career.
General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from 2015 to 2021, is widely recognized for his transformative leadership and significant contributions to the Nigerian Army. Below is a synthesis of his key achievements, supported by context from the provided search results:
1. Counterinsurgency and National Security
Buratai spearheaded Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, drastically reducing their territorial control. Under his command:
– 75% reduction in attacks within five months of his appointment (2015), and a 90% decline in suicide bombings by 2017.
– He introduced innovative military strategies, such as the Super Camp Maneuver Concept and Mobile Strike Teams, which disrupted terrorist operations.
– The northeast became safer, enabling the 2019 general elections to proceed peacefully in previously insecure regions.
2. Institutional Reforms and Training
Buratai prioritized professionalism and capacity-building:
– Established the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) to address strategic defense gaps and foster research.
– Revived training exercises like Python Dance, Crocodile Smile, and Ayam Akpatuma, enhancing troops’ readiness for internal security operations.
– Expanded foreign training opportunities for officers and soldiers, improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in international military engagements.
3. Infrastructure and Welfare Development
His tenure saw unprecedented infrastructural growth:
– Founded Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB), Africa’s first Army university, focusing on technological and military education. The institution expanded rapidly, with 75% of admissions reserved for civilians.
– Upgraded barracks, hospitals (e.g., Level 4 facilities), and housing projects nationwide, significantly boosting troop morale.
– Launched initiatives like Army Farms and Ranches and Barracks Investment Programme to improve soldiers’ welfare and self-sufficiency.
4. Technological and Operational Innovations
Buratai modernized the Army’s capabilities:
– Created the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command to combat digital threats.
– Commissioned indigenous Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, reducing reliance on foreign equipment.
– Established specialized units like the Motorcycle Battalion and Special Forces Command for terrain-specific operations.
5. Leadership and Diplomacy
– Personal involvement in combat: Buratai frequently led troops on frontline missions, such as the 2020 Limankara hills operation, inspiring soldiers.
– Post-retirement, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, strengthening bilateral ties and curbing cross-border crime.
– Promoted physical fitness within the Army, instituting policies like the Body Mass Index standard and completing a 60km run at age 60 to set an example.
6. Awards and Legacy
Buratai received numerous honors, including:
– Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
– Traditional titles like Betara of Biu Emirate and Jagunmolu of Saki Land.
– A Doctor of Letters (DLitt) honoris causa from NAUB.
Conclusion
General Buratai’s tenure reshaped the Nigerian Army into a more professional, technologically adept, and responsive institution. His legacy spans counterterrorism victories, educational advancements, and infrastructural development, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most impactful military leaders.
For further details, refer to the cited sources.
As I wrote earlier, the information provided above is sourced from Deepseek, and it is a raw, unedited account of the current state of affairs. I firmly believe that it is crucial for Nigerians to learn the importance of acknowledging and commending leaders who are performing well or making significant positive contributions to the country, rather than indulging in the spreading of falsehoods, rumors, and smear campaigns simply because certain insecure individuals feel threatened by the rising prominence of others. This tendency to “kill their prophets” is detrimental to our collective progress.
For instance, take a closer look at the troubling situation in the North-East today; observe the morale of the troops, the quality of their training and kitting, and the overall leadership structure. Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated significantly. During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria, even placing his own life on the line and facing numerous life-threatening situations.
In stark contrast, we now witness a disheartening trend where current commanders seem reluctant to lead from the front lines. The theaters of war in both the North-East and North-West regions have ceased to serve as bastions of operational strength or secondary offices for the Service Chiefs. I am aware of several nearby villages to Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) that are under constant threat, with terrorists freely roaming about and yet, tragically, no one appears ready or willing to confront them. It is no surprise that our great nation is currently in a state of turmoil and unrest.
Securing a complex and diverse society like Nigeria is not a task for the faint of heart; it requires immense dedication, strategic planning, and REAL HARD WORK. I strongly believe that we must address these challenges head-on, with a united front and a renewed sense of purpose, if we are to restore peace and stability to our beloved country.
MS Abubakar writes from Maiduguri
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Meet the Newly Appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
Meet the Newly Appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a significant development for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retired), a decorated former Chief of the Naval Staff, has been appointed as the Sole Administrator of the state. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the Nigerian Navy and a wealth of experience in leadership, administration, and strategic governance, Vice Admiral Ibas is poised to bring his expertise to bear in steering the affairs of Rivers State.
Born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibas began his educational journey at Nko Primary School and later attended the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar. His academic pursuits took him to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career.
Throughout his service in the Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ibas attended numerous military courses both locally and internationally. These included the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course in India, Primary Pilot Training in Kaduna, and specialized training in Amphibious Warfare at the United States Marine Corps University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-I-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Vice Admiral Ibas has held several key appointments in the Nigerian Navy, including Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School, Director of Maritime Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. His tenure as the 20th indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff was marked by significant reforms and modernization of the Nigerian Navy. After retiring from active service, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana from 2021 to 2023, further solidifying his diplomatic and administrative credentials.
A recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Star and the Admiralty Medal, Vice Admiral Ibas is widely respected for his dedication to service and excellence. His professional affiliations include membership in the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the US Naval Institute, among others.
Beyond his professional achievements, Vice Admiral Ibas is a family man, happily married to Mrs. Theresa Ibas, with whom he shares children. He is also an avid reader, documentary enthusiast, and golf player, reflecting a well-rounded personality.
As the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibas brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and strategic vision to the role. His appointment is expected to usher in a new era of effective governance, stability, and development for the state. Residents of Rivers State and stakeholders across the nation are optimistic that his leadership will address critical challenges and drive progress in the region.
With his proven track record in leadership and administration, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of governance in Rivers State and deliver on the expectations of the people. His appointment marks a new chapter in the state’s journey toward peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
I need a write up on this with 1200 words and strong language, with grammatical expressions, accurate facts to back it up. now including powerful and relevant quotes from respected scholars, economists, and world leaders to strengthen the argument and provide intellectual weight:
ChatGPT said:
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Here’s a 1200-word professional and compelling article draft with strong language, polished grammar, accurate context, and insightful quotes, titled:
From Naval Command to Political Helm: The Strategic Appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State
In a momentous turn of events, the Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. This decision, made amidst deepening political turmoil and administrative stagnation in the state, is more than a routine bureaucratic reshuffle—it is a calculated, strategic deployment of discipline, integrity, and experience into a system yearning for visionary leadership.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a seasoned and decorated officer of the Nigerian Navy, brings to the office over four decades of military excellence, administrative acumen, and diplomatic experience. His trajectory from the hallowed halls of the Nigerian Defence Academy to the apex of naval leadership, and later to diplomacy as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, reads like a blueprint of what transformational leadership should entail.
A Lifelong Journey of Service and Excellence
Born on 27 September 1960 in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas represents the very quintessence of the disciplined Nigerian elite class. His early education at Nko Primary School and Hope Waddell Training Institute laid the foundational values of hard work and resilience. His commissioning as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983 marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey through the ranks of the Nigerian Navy.
The Admiral’s intellectual arsenal is as formidable as his professional résumé. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-I-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, Ibas also underwent rigorous military training in India, the United States, and Nigeria. From amphibious warfare to naval command strategy, he is a product of global military best practices.
His leadership as the 20th indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 ushered in a wave of modernization in the Nigerian Navy. Under his command, the navy enhanced its blue-water capabilities, improved coastal security infrastructure, and engaged in sustained anti-piracy operations that significantly reduced maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
“A Leader is a Dealer in Hope” – Napoleon Bonaparte
The appointment of Ibas to steer the affairs of Rivers State comes at a time when the state’s political machinery is in dire need of recalibration. Mistrust among stakeholders, factional disputes within political parties, and a mounting sense of disillusionment among the populace have rendered Rivers one of the most politically volatile regions in the country.
As Napoleon Bonaparte aptly stated, “A leader is a dealer in hope.” In Ibas, Rivers State has not just a seasoned administrator, but a harbinger of restored faith in governance. His military background guarantees structure, discipline, and zero tolerance for mediocrity—qualities painfully absent in recent state administrations.
Strategic Governance and National Security
Rivers State is not just any region—it is the economic jugular vein of Nigeria, home to the largest crude oil and gas reserves and host to key multinational corporations. Mismanagement in such a state does not just affect its citizens—it reverberates across the nation. The implications for national security, economic stability, and foreign investment are far-reaching.
According to renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi, “Nigeria’s underdevelopment is not a function of lack of resources, but of a crisis of leadership.” The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas signals a deliberate effort to correct this systemic dysfunction by inserting competence where confusion has reigned.
Discipline Meets Diplomacy
Beyond the battlefield, Ibas has proved his mettle in diplomacy. His tenure as High Commissioner to Ghana from 2021 to 2023 was marked by strengthened bilateral relations, increased trade dialogue, and deft handling of diplomatic tensions between both nations. Such experience is invaluable in a complex state like Rivers, where tribal politics, oil revenue disputes, and youth restiveness intertwine dangerously.
As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once observed, “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.” Ibas is not stepping into office as a politician scrambling for power, but as a strategist focused on delivering results and fostering peace.
A New Era for Rivers State
For years, Rivers has been caught in a cycle of political godfatherism, resource mismanagement, and underdevelopment. Infrastructure decay, unemployment, environmental degradation from oil exploration, and insecurity have become daily realities. The intervention of a respected, non-partisan, and capable administrator offers a real chance to break this vicious cycle.
In the words of American political scientist Francis Fukuyama, “What underpins institutions is not just formal rules, but trust, social norms, and leadership.” The Admiral’s sterling record fosters trust. His discipline shapes social norms. His leadership is untainted by the corrupt patronage systems that plague many civilian administrations.
Public Expectations and the Road Ahead
The expectations are undeniably high. From civil servants demanding efficient administrative processes to youth clamoring for jobs and entrepreneurs hoping for a friendlier business environment, all eyes are now on the new administrator.
There is optimism that he will prioritize infrastructure renewal, reform public procurement processes, combat oil theft, and champion environmental sustainability. Ibas’s known affinity for structure and strategic thinking suggests he will approach governance as a well-planned mission—defined goals, tactical operations, and measurable outcomes.
As Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, famously said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to do both.
Echoes of National Implication
While the appointment is specifically for Rivers, the broader national significance cannot be overlooked. In a country where appointments are often made on the basis of patronage, ethnicity, or political alignment, this one bucks the trend. It sends a powerful message: merit and experience still matter.
This move may well set a precedent for future engagements, particularly in crisis-prone regions. If successful, it could ignite a renewed conversation on how non-political technocrats, retired military officers, and seasoned administrators can contribute to nation-building beyond the barracks or diplomatic missions.
Conclusion: A Return to Values-Based Leadership
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas is not just assuming office; he is assuming responsibility for the hopes of millions in Rivers State. He is stepping into history at a time when leadership is often equated with loud rhetoric rather than quiet competence. His calm demeanor, razor-sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to excellence mark him as a different kind of leader.
As South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela once said, “It is better to lead from behind and put others in front… especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger.” The people of Rivers State need such a servant-leader—firm yet fair, silent yet strategic, humble yet highly effective.
If Vice Admiral Ibas delivers—as many believe he will—then Rivers State may not only emerge from its current political turbulence but may also set the standard for governance in Nigeria’s fragile federal structure.
The ship has been handed over. The sails are up. All that remains is for the Admiral to navigate the turbulent waters of political expectation, economic uncertainty, and social fragmentation—and steer Rivers State into a harbor of peace, prosperity, and progress.
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