The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appointed Prof. Ibibia Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
According to a statement from the state government, the appointment, which takes immediate effect, was based on “a rigorous selection process in which Worika’s extensive experience, academic credentials, and policy expertise stood out.”
In a related development, Iyingi Brown has been appointed as the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service.
She will also act as the Head of Service until a substantive appointment is made.
Her appointment follows the resignation of the former Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
The government expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s contributions, wishing him “success in his future endeavors.”
While congratulating Brown on her new role, the Sole Administrator reaffirmed his commitment to “maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State.”
The statement highlighted Professor Worika’s vast experience, emphasizing that his distinguished career has spanned academia, international legal practice, and policy advisory roles.
It noted that he is well-equipped to assist the administrator in achieving the mandate set for Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
“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.
The Sole Administrator further pledged to “utilize the rich human capital of Rivers State to foster peace, stability, and security.”
Professor Worika, who hails from Okrika in Rivers State, 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, United Kingdom.
Currently, he serves as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and was previously the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.
His academic career has been distinguished by significant contributions to legal education, curriculum development, and institutional collaborations.
Beyond academia, he has played a key role in shaping global and national policy frameworks.
As a Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided strategic counsel on energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and governance.
His tenure as General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna solidified his reputation as an authority in international law, energy diplomacy, and resource management.
Professor Worika has also worked as a consultant for several governments, including Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, where he contributed to drafting legislation and designing legal frameworks for sustainable development.
His contributions to public administration have earned him multiple recognitions, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
