The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appointed legal expert and administrator, Prof. Ibibia Worika, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
In a statement, the Sole Administrator noted that Worika’s appointment, which takes immediate effect, followed a rigorous selection process in which his vast experience, academic credentials, and policy expertise stood out.
In a related development, Iyingi Brown has been appointed as the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service. She will also serve as Acting Head of Service following the resignation of the substantive Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
The government expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors. While congratulating Brown, the administrator reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State.
A distinguished scholar from Okrika in Rivers State, Prof. Ibibia Worika is a globally recognized legal expert specializing 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, the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University, Worika has previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt. His career in academia has been marked by contributions to legal education, curriculum development, and institutional collaborations.
Beyond academia, Worika has played key roles in shaping global and national policies. He has served as:
- Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, providing strategic counsel on energy policy and regulatory frameworks.
- General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, cementing his reputation in international law, energy diplomacy, and resource management.
- Consultant to various governments, including Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, assisting in drafting legislation and designing legal frameworks for sustainable development.
His contributions to public administration have earned him several recognitions, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator emphasized that Worika’s appointment underscores the administration’s commitment to utilizing Rivers State’s rich human capital to drive peace, stability, and governance.
