Rivers sole administrator appoints new SSG, acting of head of service

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has appointed Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, a university lecturer, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment comes after the resignation of Dr. George Nwaeke, the State Head of Service.

The reason for Dr. Nwaeke’s resignation was not disclosed, but the Sole Administrator, through his Chief of Staff, expressed gratitude for his service to the state and wished him success in future endeavors.

In the interim, Iyingi Brown, the Permanent Secretary of Welfare at the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed to serve as Acting Head of Service until a new appointment is made.

In a separate statement, Ibas confirmed that Professor Worika’s appointment as SSG takes immediate effect.

The statement noted, “Professor Worika’s appointment comes after careful evaluation of his credentials, extensive experience, and his performance in a thorough selection process.”

Professor Worika holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, UK. He has held distinguished roles in academia, international organizations, and government advisory positions.

The Sole Administrator emphasized that Worika’s appointment aligns with his commitment to leveraging the state’s human capital to foster peace, stability, and security within Rivers State.

Professor Worika is from Okrika Local Government Area of the state.