BREAKING: Rivers Head of Service resigns as Ibas appoints acting replacement

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced the resignation of the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, describing it as a regrettable development.

Ibas commended Nwaeke for his significant contributions during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavors. In the interim, Dr. Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed as Acting Head of Service until a substantive replacement is named.

Congratulating Brown on her appointment, Ibas reassured the people of Rivers State of his dedication 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), citing his impressive credentials, vast experience, and outstanding performance in 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 fulfilling Mr. President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect,” Ibas stated.

He emphasized that Worika’s selection aligns with his commitment to leveraging the state’s human capital to foster peace, stability, and security.

A native of Okrika in Rivers State, Worika is a globally recognized scholar, legal expert, and administrator with an extensive record 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. His career spans academia, international organizations, and government advisory roles. He is currently the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.