Rivers State Government Appoints New SSG, Head of Service
New Developments in Civil Service Administration
Facts have emerged as to why the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, resigned. Nwaeke was appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara in 2023.
Background on Nwaeke’s Appointment
According to reliable sources close to the Government House, Port Harcourt, before the emergence of Siminalayi Fubara as governor, the service term for so many permanent secretaries in the State Civil Service had elapsed but was retained on contract by the former Governor, Nyesom Wike. This led to a situation where Nwaeke’s service term was gulped by the former Head of Service, Rufus Godwin, who ought to have retired in 2017 from service but was retained by Wike on a contract basis till 2023. In other words, Nwaeke’s service term was affected by delayed promotion and improper civil service administration.
Consequences of Delayed Promotion and Improper Civil Service Administration
The former Permanent Secretary of the Government House, Dr. Samuel Nwankwo, was on a contract basis. It was after Wike exited the office and became the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), that he pulled out Mr. Godwin and gave him an appointment in Abuja. Consequently, Nwaeke had a very short service term, which ended in December 2024, because he was a victim of delayed promotion. He was, however, allowed in office while Fubara shopped for his replacement before the political crisis escalated.
New Appointments by Sole Administrator
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced the appointment of the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika. In a statement from the Government House yesterday, Ibas said the appointment followed careful consideration of Worika’s credentials, extensive experience, and performance during a rigorous selection process.
New Head of Service
Ibas has also announced the new Head of Service in an acting capacity, Dr. Mrs. Iyingi Brown. Brown is the Permanent Secretary of welfare from the office of the former Head of Service, Nweke, who just resigned.
Conclusion
The appointment of new officials in the Rivers State Government marks a new chapter in the state’s civil service administration. The Sole Administrator’s efforts to revamp the civil service will be closely watched by stakeholders and the public alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the reason for Dr. George Nwaeke’s resignation as Head of Service?
- His service term ended in December 2024 due to delayed promotion and improper civil service administration.
- Who was appointed as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG)?
- Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika
- Who was appointed as the new Head of Service in an acting capacity?
- Dr. Mrs. Iyingi Brown
