The Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, has resigned from office.
Nwaeke’s resignation was announced in a statement on Tuesday by the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas(rtd).
The statement expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s contributions to the administration of the Sole Administrator in the few days he served, and wished him success in his future endeavors.
In the interim, Mrs Iyingi Brown, the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed in an acting capacity until a substantive Head of Service is named.
While congratulating Brown on her appointment, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to neutrality, peace, and stability in Rivers State.
“The statement Office of His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.
“His Excellency, The Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavors,” the statement said.
Nwaeke’s resignation comes just one week after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Ordu, and all members of the State Assembly.
The President’s decision has drawn widespread criticism from major political figures, civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and a significant portion of Rivers State residents.
Meanwhile, the Sole Administrator has appointed Prof. Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
Worika’s appointment was also contained in a statement from the office of the Sole Administrator also obtained on Tuesday morning.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, the Administrator of Rivers State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).
“His appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.
“Professor 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 onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect.
“Professor Worika’s appointment reflects the administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.”
