The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appointed Professor Ibibia Worika, a distinguished legal expert and administrator, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
In an official statement, the Sole Administrator explained that the appointment, which takes effect immediately, followed a comprehensive selection process. Worika’s impressive academic background, extensive experience, and expertise in policy made him the standout choice for the role.
Additionally, in a related move, Vice Admiral Ibas appointed Iyingi Brown as the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, with the responsibility to act as the Head of Service until a permanent appointment is made. This follows the resignation of the previous Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
The government expressed its appreciation for Nwaeke’s contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors. The Sole Administrator also extended congratulations to Brown on her new position and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Rivers State.
The statement highlighted that Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles. These credentials make him an ideal fit to assist the Sole Administrator in fulfilling the mandate set by President Bola Tinubu for the state.
“Professor Worika’s vast expertise in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance will play a crucial role in advancing the administration’s agenda. His appointment reflects our commitment to excellence in public service,” the statement noted.
The Sole Administrator emphasized his focus on utilizing Rivers State’s rich human capital to foster peace, security, and stability.
Profile of Professor Worika:
A native of Okrika in Rivers State, Professor Worika is an internationally recognized scholar, legal expert, and administrator, with specialized knowledge 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 serving as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University, he previously served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt. His time in academia has been marked by substantial contributions to legal education, curriculum development, and institutional partnerships.
Beyond academia, Professor Worika has played significant roles in shaping national and international policy frameworks. As a Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided strategic advice on energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and governance. He also served as the General Legal Counsel for OPEC in Vienna, further establishing his reputation as a leading authority in international law, energy diplomacy, and resource management.
Additionally, Professor Worika has consulted for several governments, including those of Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, helping to draft legislation and design legal frameworks for sustainable development.
His contributions to public administration have earned him numerous recognitions, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
