 You have no time to settle down, he tells new SSG
Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), has charged Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (retd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in Prof. Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) at the Executive Chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The appointment of the new SSG came hours before the announcement of the suspension of all political office holders and appointees in Rivers by the Sole Administrator.
Among those suspended were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Chairmen and members of all boards, councils of agencies, commissions, institutions and parastatals.
Others affected included special advisers, special assistants and senior special assistants.
The administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment, said the choice was not merely an administrative decision, but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (retd) explained that the new SSG has an unparalleled expertise in law, policy and international governance, which aligns perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “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 unweaving 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.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration would be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He, therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Ibas said: “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.”
The announcement suspending all political office holders and appointees, which was signed by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, said the suspension of all affected officers was pursuant to the powers conferred on the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibas, by President Bola Tinubu.
The announcement directed the affected officers to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
According to the announcement, where there may not be a permanent secretary, the officers should hand over to the most senior director/head of administration.
The Sole Administrator took this step barely 24 hours after he made two strategic appointments – the new SSG, Professor Ibibia Worika and acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, following the resignation of the State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
