In a move already stirring political debate, Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), has approved the appointment of 11 new permanent secretaries.
The announcement, made via a terse three-paragraph statement from the Acting Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi Brown, was issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to the press.
According to the statement, the newly appointed officials will be sworn in at a date yet to be disclosed by the sole administrator.
It reads:
“His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), the Administrator of Rivers State has approved the appointment of the under-listed persons as Permanent Secretaries:
Imaonyani Roselin Ephraim-George, Dr. Mina T. Ikuru, Dabite Sokari George, Soibitein Duke Harry, Lauretta Davies Dimkpa, Uche R. Ideozu, Chimenum Mpi, Jeremiah Egwu, Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, Vera Sam Dike, and Aleruchi Akani.”
While the announcement appears routine, it comes at a time when the state's leadership structure remains under intense scrutiny following the controversial appointment of a military administrator. Critics argue that such sweeping decisions on the state’s civil service hierarchy should be left to a democratically elected government, not a transitional figure.
Political observers say the appointments could have long-term implications for the state's bureaucracy, potentially locking in administrative loyalties during a sensitive governance transition.
All eyes are now on the swearing-in date, as public discourse continues around the legality and political undertones of the administrator’s actions.
