The much-expected musical chair begins to roll in Rivers State as news of changes in the public toward the civil service have set in. Calm had enveloped the state since the declaration of state of emergency (SOE) and arrival of the Sole Administrator to watch and see where the pendulum swings.
Many knew that the office of Secretary to the Government of Rivers State (SSG) may be first target because the man (a former minister and strong Wike pad before becoming a strong Sim pad) would be early target.
Now, news broke Tuesday morning that the head of service, George Nweke, has resigned. Ibok Ekwe Ibas, the Solad, said he is saddened by this sudden exit. He however said he appreciated Nweke’s immense contributions to his administration since he came and wished him well.
He appointed in the interim Iyingi Brown, a permanent secretary, in the same office to stand in.
Meanwhile, the hurricane has hit at the SSG’s office replacing Tammy Danagogo with Ibibia Lucky Worika, a professor. Danagogo is Kalabari, Worika is Okrika.
The Solad said Worika’s appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.
The fact that the selection was rigorous means it began long ago. The statement said the professor’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the Administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate.
Worika’s appointment is said to reflect the Administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed Peace, Stability and Security.
Worika is said to be a globally recognized scholar, legal expert, and administrator with a proven track record in public service and institutional leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and has served in prestigious roles across academia, international organisations, and government advisory capacities.
He is currently the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University, and has previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt, where he played a pivotal role in curriculum development, accreditation processes, and the advancement of legal education in Nigeria.
Beyond academia, Worika is said to have made significant contributions to public policy and international governance. As Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he is indicated to have provided expert counsel to member-nations on natural resource management, energy policy, and regulatory reforms. “His tenure as General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna further solidified his reputation as a strategic thinker, where he advised on complex international agreements, litigation, and energy diplomacy.
“His consultancy work for governments, including Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, underscores his ability to design and implement legal and policy frameworks.”
