The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has appointed Prof. Ibibia Worika, a renowned legal expert and administrator, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
In a statement, the Sole Administrator announced that the appointment, which takes immediate effect, followed a rigorous selection process in which Worika’s vast experience, academic credentials, and policy expertise stood out.
In a related development, the former naval chief appointed Iyingi Brown as the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, with the mandate to act as Head of Service until a substantive appointment is made. This follows the resignation of the previous Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
The government expressed gratitude for Nwaeke’s contributions during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavors. While congratulating Brown on her new role, the administrator reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State.
The statement further highlighted Worika’s distinguished career, which spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles—qualifying him to support the administrator in fulfilling the mandate set by President Bola Tinubu for the state.
“Professor Worika’s expertise in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance will be instrumental in advancing this administration’s agenda. His appointment reflects our commitment to excellence in public service,” the statement read.
Vice Admiral Ibas also emphasized his dedication to leveraging Rivers State’s human capital to promote peace, stability, and security.
About Prof. Ibibia Worika
Hailing from Okrika in Rivers State, Professor Ibibia Worika is a globally recognized scholar, legal expert, and administrator with a specialization 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 previously held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.
Beyond academia, Prof. Worika 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 further cemented his reputation as a leading authority in international law, energy diplomacy, and resource management.
Additionally, he has served as a consultant for various governments, including Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, contributing to legislative drafting and legal frameworks for sustainable development.
In recognition of his contributions to public administration, Prof. Worika has received numerous accolades, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.