Rivers State Administrator Swears In New Secretary to State Government Amid Political Tensions

 Amid ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, the newly appointed administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has sworn in Professor Ibibia Lucky-Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Government House in Port Harcourt, comes just days after Ibas dissolved all statutory boards in the state and suspended key political appointees. The new SSG is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the administration under Ibas’ leadership, but opposition groups argue that this appointment is further evidence of a federal government power grab.

In his address at the ceremony, Ibas emphasized that the new SSG must prioritize restoring governance efficiency and cooperation between ministries. He urged Lucky-Worika to work closely with civil servants and ensure that government policies align with the administrator’s vision for the state.

However, critics, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, have dismissed the appointment as illegitimate, arguing that the administrator was imposed on the state in a manner that undermines democracy.

Rivers residents have expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some believe that the new SSG could bring much-needed administrative stability, others see the move as part of a broader strategy to tighten federal control over the state.

The PDP has vowed to challenge the ongoing restructuring in court, calling for a return to democratic governance under Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in different parts of Rivers State, with demonstrators demanding an end to what they call “a silent coup” against the elected government.