Rivers Sole Administrator suspends political office holders, makes fresh appointment
In a significant move, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has suspended all political appointees and office holders in the state, effective immediately. The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator.
This decision comes under the authority vested in Ibas by President Bola Tinubu. Those affected by the suspension include the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairpersons and members of various boards, agencies, commissions, parastatals, as well as Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.
The statement specifies that the suspension took effect on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and mandates the suspended officials to hand over their responsibilities to the permanent secretaries in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). In instances where a permanent secretary is not available, the handover should be to the most senior director or head of administration.
The appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator took place on March 19, following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Alongside this appointment, the President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, expressed his commitment to maintaining law and order in the state, emphasizing that restoring order is crucial for any meaningful activities to resume. He reiterated his intention to collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve this goal during his interaction with State House correspondents following his swearing-in.
Meanwhile, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has appointed new Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Worika, urging him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the governance of the State.
Ibas gave the charge shortly after swearing in Worika as the new SSG at the Executive Chambers of Government House on Wednesday. This swiftly follows the announcement of the suspension of all government and political office holders and appointees in the state, including the now suspended SSG, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.
According to a statement from the Government House Press Unit, the Administrator, while congratulating Worika, noted that his appointment was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent. He explained that the new SSG has an unparalleled expertise in law, policy, and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity, and public trust in Rivers State.
The statement quotes him as saying, “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit, and unwavering dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision, and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity, and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Referencing his maiden address to Rivers people, where he emphasized that his administration will be committed to delivering effective governance anchored on transparency, accountability, and service, Ibas enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office.
“You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants, with whom we will work closely to run this administration, are critical stakeholders, and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask for your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
Source: PUNCH
