In a fresh administrative overhaul, Rivers State Administrator Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR has announced the appointment of renowned legal scholar Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The announcement comes alongside the unexpected resignation of Head of Service Dr. George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni, marking the first major personnel changes under the new administration.
In an official statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator, Professor Worika was described as “a distinguished academic and policy expert whose vast experience in governance and international law will be invaluable in driving the administration’s agenda.”
The University of Port Harcourt professor brings decades of experience in public administration and legal practice to the critical SSG position.
The simultaneous resignation of Dr. Nwaeke after just weeks in office has sparked political discussions across the state.
While no reason was given for the departure, the Administrator’s office expressed gratitude for his brief service. Dr. Mrs. Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary for Welfare, has been named acting Head of Service pending a permanent appointment.
The moves signal the Administrator’s intention to assemble his own team to implement the federal government’s agenda in Rivers State. The appointments come at a crucial time as the administration seeks to address security challenges and stabilize the politically volatile oil-rich state.
Both announcements were contained in separate official communications from Government House, Port Harcourt, each bearing the signature of the Chief of Staff to the Administrator.
