Ibas Explains Reason Behind Worika’s Appointment Amid State of Emergency The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, has officially named Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, marking the first major appointment since the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Why Professor Worika Was Chosen as Rivers State SSG According to the statement, Worika’s selection followed a thorough evaluation of his qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute effectively to the administration’s objectives. “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is pleased to appoint Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the Secretary to the Rivers State Government. His extensive background in academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles makes him the ideal candidate to support this administration in fulfilling the president’s mandate,” the statement read. The appointment is part of ongoing efforts to restore stability, peace, and security in Rivers State, ensuring competent individuals lead critical government functions. Significance of the Appointment & Recent Resignation This strategic decision underscores the administrator’s commitment to leveraging Rivers State’s human capital for effective governance. The sudden resignation of Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, on Tuesday further highlights the state’s ongoing administrative changes. What This Means for Rivers State Governance With Professor Worika taking on the role of SSG, expectations are high regarding policy implementation, legal governance, and administrative coordination during this transitional period. His expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in the restructuring efforts under the Tinubu-led administration’s intervention in Rivers State. To read more about the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, visit the official Nigerian Government Press Release. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Ijaw Stakeholders Reject Rivers State Emergency, Demand Governor’s Reinstatement The Coalition of Concerned Ijaw Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern Nigeria has strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling for its immediate reversal and the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. At a press conference, Convener Comrade Rosemary John-Oduone, accompanied by 16 Ijaw leaders, denounced the move as a violation of democracy. “The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), which the President and all governors swore to uphold, has been disregarded by Bola Tinubu with the backing of security forces to unlawfully remove the elected Governor of Rivers State,” John-Oduone stated. She further accused the president of attempting to force the governor and state officials into his political party, allegedly to establish a one-party system and secure re-election in 2027. Call for Immediate Reversal The coalition insists that the situation in Rivers State does not justify a state of emergency and demands Governor Fubara’s reinstatement. They also accused Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi of playing a role in the controversial declaration. “The Attorney General of the Federation has facilitated this unconstitutional move, paving the way for this undemocratic decision,” John-Oduone alleged. Calls for National Unity and Political Stability Comrade Emmanuel Deinma, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (FCT & Northern Nigeria), urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision for the sake of national unity. Similarly, Adam Mabo, President General of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), warned that the state of emergency could escalate tensions in Rivers State, urging the president to focus on inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 elections. Tamunokuro Obetoubara, President of Wakirike Bise, cautioned against actions that could destabilize the Niger Delta, reminding Nigerians of past conflicts that were only resolved under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. International Appeal for Intervention The coalition has reached out to global bodies, including the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union, and ECOWAS, urging them to intervene and prevent what they describe as an emerging authoritarian regime in Nigeria. “We call on the international community to act swiftly to protect Nigeria’s democracy and prevent the abuse of state institutions for political gains,” the statement read. Commitment to Defending Democracy The Ijaw leaders have vowed to continue resisting what they see as an attack on democracy. They demand the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State and remain committed to holding the government accountable. Read more on constitutional implications of state emergencies READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
