The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has appointed Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government.
This follows the resignation of the State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
While no official reason was given for Nwaeke’s resignation, the Sole Administrator, through a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, expressed gratitude for Nwaeke’s service and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Here are six key things to know about the new Rivers State Secretary to the Government, Ibibia Worika:
1. Birth and Early Life: Ibibia Worika was born on December 1, 1964, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
2. Academic Career: He is a Professor of Law at Rivers State University, where he also serves as the Director of the university’s Centre for Advanced Law Research.
3. Educational Background: Worika holds a Ph.D. from the University of Dundee, UK. He also earned an LL.M. and an LL.B from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.
4. Professional Experience: Over the years, Worika has worked with several prestigious global organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Oxford Policy Management (UK), and the Rivers State Government.
5. Membership in Legal and Environmental Organizations: He is an active member of several prominent legal and environmental groups, such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association (IBA).
6. Recent Appointment: Professor Ibibia Worika was appointed as the Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday. His appointment was made by the Sole Administrator, who was recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after an emergency declaration in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officials in the state.