Rivers' head of service resigns as Ibas appoints new SSG

George Nwaeke, the head of the Rivers State Civil Service, has resigned from his position barely a week after the declaration of state of emergency in the state.

His resignation was confirmed in a statement from the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

Ibas expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s service during his short tenure under the new administration and extended his best wishes for the future.

“The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) 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 endeavours,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Ibas has appointed Professor Ibibi Worika as the new secretary to the state government (SSG).

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According to a separate statement, Worika’s appointment was based on his extensive experience in academia, international legal practice, and policy advisory roles. His selection aligns with the administrator’s objective of ensuring stability and governance in the state.

“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),” the statement reads in part.

The new SSG is expected to assume duties immediately as part of ongoing efforts to restore order and implement the federal government’s directives in Rivers State.

“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,” it concluded.

Taofeek Oyedokun

Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.