Rivers State Administrator Appoints New SSG After Head of Service Resigns

In a major reshuffle, Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) has appointed Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This comes after the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke resigned.

In a statement on Tuesday, Vice Admiral Ibas said Professor Worika’s appointment takes immediate effect. He said Worika was chosen after a thorough process where his experience, academic credentials and policy expertise stood him out. The administrator added that Worika’s career spans academia, international legal practice and high level policy advisory roles making him suited to support the administration in achieving its mandate.

Professor Worika, a renowned legal scholar and administrator is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the new role. His background includes significant contributions to legal scholarship, public policy and governance which will drive the administration’s agenda.

The statement further said: “Professor Worika’s wealth of experience in legal scholarship, public policy and governance will drive the administration’s agenda. His appointment is a demonstration of our commitment to excellence in public service.”

In a related development, Vice Admiral Ibas has appointed Dr. Iyingi Brown as Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service and has directed her to act as Head of Service pending a substantive appointment. This follows the resignation of Dr. George Nwaeke who served under the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The government thanked Nwaeke for his service and wished him well.

These appointments come at a time of political crisis in Rivers State. Last week, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil rich state, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers for six months due to political crisis and pipeline vandalism.

Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed as the military administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period. He said he will ensure peace and stability in Rivers State.