Head of Civil Service in Nigeria’s Rivers State Resigns Amid Political Turmoil

The head of civil service in Nigeria’s Rivers State, George Nwaeke, has resigned from his position, the state administrator has announced.  

In a statement released on Tuesday, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the administrator of Rivers State, expressed his regret at Mr Nwaeke’s departure. The statement, did not provide a reason for the resignation but thanked Mr Nwaeke for his service and wished him well for the future.  

In the interim, Iyingi Brown, the Permanent Secretary Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed as acting head of service until a permanent replacement is found.  

Separately, Mr Ibas announced the appointment of Ibibia Worika as the new secretary to the state government. Professor Worika, who hails from Okrika Local Government Area, has a background in academia, international legal practice, and policy advisory roles.  

The statement from the Rivers State Government House described Professor Worika as “uniquely qualified” to support the administrator in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s mandate. His appointment is effective immediately.  

The statement added that 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.”

Political Context

While no official reason was given for Mr Nwaeke’s resignation, it comes amid a significant political crisis in Rivers State. This crisis stems from a feud between the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The political tensions led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers, and appoint Vice Admiral Ibas as the sole administrator for an initial six-month period.  

In the statement announcing Mr Nwaeke’s resignation and Professor Worika’s appointment, Administrator Ibas sought to reassure the people of Rivers State, stating his commitment to “neutrality, peace and stability.”

The developments in Rivers State are likely to be closely watched both within Nigeria and internationally, given the state’s economic importance due to its oil reserves and the potential implications for regional stability.