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VIDEO: Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas arrives in Rivers State amid tight security

The recently appointed military sole administrator in Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has arrived in the state capital, Port Harcourt.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff in Nigeria, landed earlier today and is proceeding directly to the Government House to officially assume his duties.
This move comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, which led to proclamation of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
Watch the video footage of his arrival below
His profile
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR was born on 27th of September 1960.
He is a retired Navy vice admiral, who was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021.
Ibas was born in Nko, Cross River State.
He enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 26 Regular Course on 20 June 1979 and was commissioned sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1983.
He began his primary education at Nko Primary School, Nko, in 1966 and completed at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar in 1971.
He then proceeded to the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute Calabar from 1972 to 1976. Between 1977 and 1979, he attended the School of Basic Studies Ogoja before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979.
Ibas has attended several military courses at home and abroad, including the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy in India from April 1983 to May 1984 and Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School at Nigerian Airforce Base in Kaduna from April 1986 to October 1987.
He proceeded to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna in January 1990 and completed the Junior Staff Course in June of the same year.
In July 1992, he reported at the Amphibious Warfare School of the United States Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, US, and graduated with a diploma in amphibious warfare in May 1993.
In February 1994, Ibas commenced the Officers’ Long Course specializing in underwater warfare at the Underwater Warfare School, NNS Quorra and completed the same in February 1995.
From August 1996 to July 1997, he returned to the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji where he completed the Senior Staff Course with excellent grades.
He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan, having attended the National Defence Course from August 2005 to June 2006.
In addition he holds a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ibas has held several appointments in the Nigerian Navy. As a midshipman, he served on board NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma and NNS Aradu. He later served on board NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe as a watch keeping officer after he was commissioned sub-lieutenant.
He was to later become the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun and NNS Ambe between July 1993 and August 1996 as a lieutenant commander.
He was the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from August 1997 to September 1998 and thereafter, the commanding officer of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka from September 1998 to June 2000.
Due to his outstanding performance on the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji from June 2000 to June 2002.
He later returned to the college in January 2009 as the director of the Department of Maritime Warfare, a position he held until November 2010.
His last sojourn in the college was as deputy commandant from January to February 2014.
Ibas was the naval provost marshal from April 2003 to June 2004 and was later the principal staff officer to the then CNS from June 2004 to July 2005.
He was the command operations officer at the Headquarters Western Naval Command, Lagos, from June to December 2006, and from December 2006 to January 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo.
The senior officer was later appointed chief staff officer at Headquarters, Naval Training Command, Lagos, from September 2010 to March 2011.
In recognition of his versatility in staff duties and administration, the senior officer was appointed to the Naval Headquarters first, as the chief of administration from March 2011 to February 2012 and later as the Navy Secretary from February 2012 to January 2013.
Thereafter, he became the flag officer commanding Western Naval Command from January 2013 to January 2014.
He was appointed chief of logistics in February 2014 and then the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited in December of the same year.
This was the appointment he held until he was appointed the 22nd chief of the Naval Staff on 13 July 2015.
In October 2022, a Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ibas holds the membership of several reputable professional organizations, such as the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Ibas has also attended some seminars and exhibitions at home and abroad.
He attended the 25th International Homeland Security Exhibition and the 3rd International Exhibition for Operational Units in Tel Aviv, Israel, in June 2011.
In August 2012, he also attended the London International Leadership Course in London, England.
He was in the United States of America in January 2013 for a capacity development course at Harvard Kennedy School, thus making him an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School in the US.
He was at Naval Dockyard, Lagos in February 2013 to attend a naval engineering and logistics seminar.

(DDM) – A disturbing case of alleged brutality by revenue enforcement agents in Anambra State has sparked outrage across the state and beyond.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the deceased, identified as Mr. Okechukwu Theophilus Akaneme, a former chairman of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, reportedly suffered fatal injuries after being beaten by state revenue agents on October 11 last year.
Eyewitness accounts claim the assault stemmed from a dispute over unpaid waste management fees.
Family sources stated that Mr. Akaneme, who was reportedly in good health before the incident, sustained a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Despite being rushed to the hospital and admitted into the intensive care unit, the businessman never fully recovered.
Medical expenses reportedly soared to ₦80 million, of which the Anambra State Government allegedly paid only ₦40 million, leaving the bereaved family with an outstanding debt of ₦40 million.
Critics say this tragic incident underscores what they describe as a culture of “revenue enforcement rascality” under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Business leaders argue that the practice of aggressive tax enforcement is driving fear among traders and investors in Anambra.
The video that went viral, obtained by DDM, named Mr. Joseph Okoye of Aswama as the alleged leader of the team that attacked Akaneme.
Police officers who reportedly accompanied the enforcement team have also been accused of complicity in the incident.
Sources close to the case say the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has yet to make arrests, raising concerns about possible compromise or incompetence.
The victim’s family has called on the state government to take responsibility, prosecute those involved, and provide adequate compensation beyond partial hospital payments.
Human rights advocates have also joined the call for justice, warning that the impunity surrounding such incidents erodes public confidence in government institutions.
Critics argue that the value placed on human life under the current administration appears alarmingly low, citing similar complaints of excessive force by state task forces in the past.
Governor Soludo, a professor of economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, is facing mounting pressure to respond to allegations that his administration tolerates reckless enforcement practices.
Analysts say the incident could damage Anambra’s image as a safe and viable destination for investors.
Security and respect for human rights, they argue, are prerequisites for attracting major investments and fostering economic growth.
Political observers believe the government’s response to this case will be a major test of its commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law.
As public outrage grows, civil society groups, including the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), are reportedly considering mass campaigns to demand accountability.
The late Mr. Akaneme has since been buried, but his family remains burdened by financial debt and grief.
Calls for justice continue to echo across Anambra, with residents asking how much value Governor Soludo places on the life of an ordinary citizen.
The police, the government, and all agencies involved are yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations.
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(DDM) – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be fully united before serious talks on its 2027 presidential candidate can begin.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the call came during the PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held in Ikeja, Lagos, where top party stakeholders convened to deliberate on internal reforms and a credible zoning formula ahead of the party’s national convention.
Makinde told reporters after the closed-door session that rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and reconnecting with Nigerians must be the primary agenda before candidate selection.
He warned that rushing into zoning or candidate discussions without first addressing structural cracks within the party would doom the PDP to another electoral disaster.
The governor noted that critics who claim PDP is politically dead will be proven wrong as the party regains its organisational strength.
He insisted that the outcome of the Lagos meeting had already demonstrated the party’s willingness to put aside internal disputes for the sake of unity and national credibility.
Makinde emphasised that the summit was not statutory but necessary to engage stakeholders across all southern states in meaningful dialogue.
He added that democracy thrives on consultation, inclusivity, and respect for diverse voices within a party structure.
He said democracy should not be reduced to mere power grabs but should reflect credible engagement that represents the will of the people.
The Lagos summit was attended by prominent PDP leaders, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and representatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
Also present were former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several former governors including Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Udom Emmanuel, and Sam Egwu.
Makinde revealed that at least 12 of the 17 southern states were fully represented by zoning committee members, National Assembly representatives, and party elders.
The gathering also discussed the strategic role of the southern region in shaping the PDP’s chances in 2027, particularly given the intense political calculations expected around power rotation.
PDP’s history of zoning has been controversial, often sparking internal divisions over whether the presidency should rotate between the North and South.
In 2022, the party faced criticism after nominating Atiku Abubakar from the North despite calls for a southern candidate, a decision many analysts say fractured its support base in the 2023 elections.
This historical backdrop has heightened expectations ahead of the 2027 convention, with southern leaders pressing for early consultations to avoid past mistakes.
Makinde acknowledged that winning recent by-elections, particularly in Oyo State, had boosted PDP’s morale and disproved claims that the party was politically irrelevant.
He said the success reflected the resilience of PDP supporters and the commitment of its leaders to reclaim national dominance through hard work and strategic alliances.
The governor stressed that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the PDP must present itself as a credible force.
He explained that Thursday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure the party’s zoning formula reflects fairness, justice, and national balance.
He also confirmed that more consultations will take place across southern states and eventually at the national level before the convention.
Political observers note that Thursday’s summit reflects growing pressure on the PDP to consolidate its base ahead of a highly competitive election season.
Analysts argue that the party’s ability to reconcile its factions and adopt an inclusive approach could determine its viability in 2027.
Makinde expressed confidence that the deliberations in Lagos would pave the way for further engagements capable of repositioning the party for victory.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic as the PDP undertakes internal reforms to rebuild confidence in its leadership.
The meeting was called under the auspices of the PDP Zoning Committee, chaired by Governor Douye Diri, and was described as a success by attendees.
Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming weeks for broader consultations and final recommendations before the party’s National Executive Council meeting.
Makinde closed by reiterating that zoning, candidate selection, and electoral strategy would only succeed if the PDP first restores unity, discipline, and credibility within its ranks.

(DDM) – The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition (NERCO) has undertaken an advocacy visit to the National Assembly (NASS) as part of its campaign for immediate electoral reforms.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the visit, held on Tuesday, marked the 20th day of the 30-day deadline NERCO had given lawmakers to initiate credible electoral reform.
According to NERCO representatives, the group had earlier delivered a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on May 9, 2025, demanding urgent legislative action to overhaul the nation’s electoral system.
The coalition expressed disappointment over the lack of response from either chamber of the National Assembly.
NERCO stated that its advocacy involves Nigerians across faith-based, religious, and civic organizations who are committed to achieving a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of future elections.
The coalition emphasized that its demands are simple but critical to Nigeria’s democratic growth.
First, NERCO called for a credible process of appointing leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group argued that only reputable and impartial individuals should oversee the commission, to avoid bias in election administration.
Second, NERCO demanded the full digitalization of the voting and result collation system.
The group stressed that accreditation, voting, and result display must be instantaneous and transparent, eliminating manual collation that has historically enabled electoral fraud.
NERCO insisted that these reforms are not “rocket science” and have been successfully implemented in other countries, adding that Nigeria must be ready to lead if necessary.
The coalition warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline would prompt further actions, which it described as more intense than the current advocacy visit.
The group reaffirmed that its movement is self-funded and not driven by political sponsorship, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ collective frustration with flawed electoral processes.
COPDEM, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, also reacted to the visit, calling NERCO’s push “a timely reminder of Nigeria’s democratic responsibilities.”
COPDEM stated that the National Assembly must see electoral reform as an urgent priority, not a political bargaining tool, and called for immediate dialogue between legislators and civil society groups.
NERCO concluded by reiterating its demand that electoral reforms be passed within 2025, warning that delays would be unacceptable to Nigerians.

(DDM) – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Union Station in Washington, DC, on Wednesday sparked a heated confrontation with demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s security policies.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Vance had arrived to host a lunch with National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. The troops were stationed across the capital following heightened security concerns. However, his remarks were frequently drowned out by chants from angry protesters.
Witnesses reported that Vance entered a Shake Shack restaurant at Union Station to a mix of applause and loud boos. Some patrons chanted “USA, USA, USA” in support of the vice president, while others responded with cries of “shame” and “we want the military out of our streets.”
The vice president, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted troops and thanked them for their service. But tensions escalated when protesters, blocked from the second floor where the officials were gathered, intensified their chants and disrupted a press gaggle with Vance.
Speaking to reporters, Vance dismissed the protesters as “crazy” and “communists,” accusing them of misrepresenting the city’s views on public safety. Miller went further, labelling demonstrators as “elderly white hippies” and claiming, without evidence, that they were “not part of the city.”
Vance defended the administration’s stance, recounting a previous visit to the station where he claimed his family encountered “violent vagrants” that left his children frightened. “People want safer streets, and we’re here to ensure that,” he said.
The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism for ordering the deployment of the National Guard and FBI to patrol Washington, DC, and for attempts to assume control of the city’s police department. A Washington Post-Schar School poll shows that roughly eight in ten DC residents oppose these measures, reflecting deep tensions between federal authorities and local voters.
Despite the backlash, Vance insisted he was “highly skeptical that a majority of DC residents don’t want their city to have better public safety and more reasonable safety standards.”
The visit underscored a stark political divide. While some cheered the administration’s commitment to law and order, others saw the presence of troops as a provocative overreach into a city that overwhelmingly voted against Trump.
Outside the Shake Shack, protesters continued to chant as Vance departed, leaving the debate over federal control of DC policing far from resolved.

(DDM) – The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has condemned the Nigerian government following the embarrassing sight of an empty national pavilion at the International Investment Fair in Japan.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the fair, which commenced on August 18, 2025, drew global investors, trade experts, and economic leaders to explore opportunities across various countries.
However, Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy was shockingly unrepresented at its own stand, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a large delegation of officials reportedly attending the event.
A viral video from the fair showed vibrant stands from Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, each managed by representatives showcasing their nations’ economic potential.
In stark contrast, Nigeria’s booth stood deserted, with no official present to welcome prospective investors or provide promotional materials.
COPDEM, in a strongly worded statement, described the situation as “an international disgrace and a symbol of Nigeria’s collapsing governance culture.”
The group stated that the incident highlighted a disturbing trend where public funds are spent on lavish foreign trips, yet critical tasks like economic representation are neglected.
“The President cannot lead a horde of officials to a global investment fair only for Nigeria’s stand to be empty,” COPDEM declared.
“This is more than incompetence; it is a clear sign that the welfare of the country is secondary to political pageantry.”
The International Investment Fair, hosted annually in Tokyo, Japan, provides a platform for countries to present business opportunities, forge trade partnerships, and attract foreign direct investment.
Analysts say Nigeria’s absence at its own pavilion represents a costly missed opportunity, especially as the nation battles economic instability and declining investor confidence.
COPDEM further called for an immediate probe into the delegation’s activities in Japan and demanded a public explanation from the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry.
The group warned that such blunders could further damage Nigeria’s international image and reinforce perceptions of mismanagement at the highest levels.
Meanwhile, social media users flooded platforms with critical comments, describing the incident as “a national embarrassment” and questioning how much was spent on the trip.
The fair continues until August 22, 2025, but critics say the damage to Nigeria’s reputation has already been done.
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