The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced the resignation of the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, describing the development as “sad.”
In a statement, Ibas expressed his appreciation for Nwaeke’s immense contributions during his brief tenure and wished him well in his future endeavours.
In the interim, Dr. Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed as the acting Head of Service until a new appointment is made.
While congratulating Dr. Brown on her new role, Ibas assured the people of Rivers State of his commitment to neutrality, peace, and stability.
Additionally, Ibas announced the appointment of Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG). He explained that Worika’s appointment followed careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during a rigorous selection process.
“Prof. Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the Administrator in the task of fulfilling Mr. President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect,” Ibas stated.
The Administrator added that Worika’s appointment reflects his commitment to harnessing the talents of Rivers’ people to work together towards achieving the much-needed peace, stability, and security in the state.
Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, a native of Okirika, Rivers State, is an internationally recognised scholar, legal expert, and administrator with a distinguished career in public service and institutional leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and has served in various capacities across academia, international organisations, and government advisory roles.
He currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and has previously been the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.
