In his first major administrative move, Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd.) has appointed Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), citing his exceptional credentials and experience as key factors in the selection.
A Strategic Appointment
Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd.) has announced the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The decision, disclosed in an official statement on Tuesday, marks the first major administrative action taken by Ibas since his appointment on March 18, 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The statement highlighted that Prof. Worika’s selection followed a rigorous vetting process, with his academic excellence, legal expertise, and policy advisory background making him the ideal candidate to support the administrator in restoring stability to the state.
“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,” the statement read.
Who is Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika?
Prof. Worika is a seasoned academic and legal expert with extensive experience in governance and policy formulation. His career highlights include:
- Academic Leadership: Former university professor with expertise in law and public administration.
- International Legal Practice: Experience in international law, including advisory roles for governmental and intergovernmental organizations.
- Policy Advisory: High-level consultancy for state and federal government initiatives.
His appointment signals Ibas’s commitment to leveraging Rivers State’s intellectual capital to drive governance reforms during this transitional period.
Why This Appointment Matters
- Restoring Governance Structure
- With the suspension of Gov. Sim Fubara and his deputy, the state’s administrative framework was left in limbo.
- The SSG plays a pivotal role in coordinating government activities, making this a crucial step in stabilizing governance.
- Expertise-Driven Leadership
- Unlike politically motivated appointments, Prof. Worika’s selection is based on merit and competence, aligning with Ibas’s mandate to prioritize efficiency.
- Preparing for Post-Emergency Transition
- The six-month state of emergency requires a functional bureaucracy to ensure service delivery continues uninterrupted.
- Worika’s policy experience will be vital in maintaining governance standards.
Resignation of Head of Civil Service
In a related development, Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service under the suspended governor, resigned on Tuesday. While no official reason was given, his departure suggests a broader restructuring within the state’s administrative framework under the new leadership.
Read Also: “Rivers Crisis: Dr Alban Calls on Tinubu to Rein in Wike, Criticizes State of Emergency Declaration”
What’s Next for Rivers State?
With Prof. Worika now in place as SSG, expectations are high for:
- Swift stabilization of government operations.
- Improved policy coordination between federal and state agencies.
- Transparent governance during the emergency period.
Observers will be watching closely to see if this technocratic approach can restore public confidence amid the ongoing political crisis.
A Step Toward Normalcy?
The appointment of Prof. Worika represents a deliberate effort by Administrator Ibas to depoliticize governance and prioritize expertise in managing Rivers State’s affairs. As the state navigates this turbulent period, the effectiveness of this new administrative team will be critical in determining whether the emergency measures lead to lasting stability or further complications.