March 25, (THEWILL) – The Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, has resigned from his position.
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, disclosed the development in a statement signed on Tuesday, by his Chief of Staff.
“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 endeavours”, the statement read in part.
In the interim, Dr Mrs Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary, Welfare, Office of the Head of Service has been appointed in acting capacity until a new Head of Service is appointed.
While congratulating her on her appointment, Ibas assured the people of Rivers State of his commitment to neutrality, Peace and Stability.
Meanwhile, The Administrator has appointed Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process, a statement from the State Government stated.
“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”, it added.
Professor Worika, from Okirika, Rivers State, is a globally recognized scholar, legal expert, and administrator with a proven track 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, and has served in prestigious roles across academia, international organizations, and government advisory capacities.
Currently the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University, Professor Worika has previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in curriculum development, accreditation processes, and fostering collaborations between the university and public institutions. His leadership in academia has been marked by a commitment to excellence, ethical governance, and the advancement of legal education in Nigeria.
Beyond academia, Professor Worika has made significant contributions to public policy and international governance. As Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided expert counsel to member nations on natural resource management, energy policy, and regulatory reforms. His tenure as General Legal Counsel for the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna further solidified his reputation as a strategic thinker, where he advised on complex international agreements, litigation, and energy diplomacy.
His consultancy work for governments, including Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, underscores his ability to design and implement legal and policy frameworks that promote sustainable development and good governance. Notably, he has contributed to drafting key legislation, negotiating multilateral agreements, and strengthening institutional capacities in the energy and natural resources sectors.
A recipient of the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and honored by the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State, Professor Worika combines intellectual rigor with a deep understanding of public administration. His expertise in policy formulation, conflict resolution, and intergovernmental relations will be invaluable in ensuring stability, efficiency, and transparency in the Administration.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
