Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has announced the appointment of Prof. Ibibia Worika, a renowned legal expert and administrator, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
In an official statement, the Administrator confirmed that Worika’s selection followed a rigorous process, with his extensive experience, academic excellence, and policy expertise positioning him as the ideal candidate for the role. The appointment takes immediate effect.
Acting Head of Service Named
In a related development, the Administrator appointed Iyingi Brown, Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, to serve as the acting Head of Service following the resignation of the substantive officeholder, George Nwaeke.
The government expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s service and wished him well in his future endeavors. Brown’s interim appointment ensures continuity in the state’s administrative operations while a substantive appointment is finalized.
Commitment to Stability and Development
The Sole Administrator reiterated his dedication to leveraging Rivers State’s human capital to promote peace, stability, and security.
“Professor Worika’s wealth of experience in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance will be instrumental in driving the administration’s agenda. His appointment underscores our dedication to excellence in public service,” the statement read.
Profile of Prof. Ibibia Worika
A native of Okrika in Rivers State, Prof. Worika is an internationally recognized scholar and legal expert specializing in environmental and petroleum law. He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, UK.
Currently the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University, he previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt. His career also includes high-level advisory roles, such as Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London and General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna.
Worika has consulted for multiple governments, assisting in drafting legislation and developing legal frameworks for sustainable development. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary chieftaincy title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
