Quake in Rivers as Sole Administrator sacks all political appointees, board

The full meaning of state of emergency seems to dawn in Rivers State as Ibok Ekwe Ibas, a retired Vice Admiral, has sacked all political appointees including all boards and their managements.

In a state that seems politically polarized, it is not clear where the Solad would find neutral hands to fill the positions that may be over 100.

In what the office of the Chief of Staff (whose name was not given despite speculations) called special government announcement, the Govt House said all political office holders and their appointees have been suspended.

The statement said the action was pursuant to the powers conferred on the Administrator of the state by the President.

Some of the positions named in the order include the secretary to the state government which has just been replaced.

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Others include the chief of staff, commissioners, members of all boards, councils, agencies, institutions, and parastatals.

Also sacked were special advisers, senior special assistants, etc.

The announcement said the sacks took immediate effect while those leaving should hand over to permanent secretaries or the most senior person in a place that has no permanent secretary.

The sacks seem to bring cold bath in a cold state where the rains seem to drive away warmth.

It is not clear where the Solad hopes to pink replacements that would not provoke accusations of bias because hardly can any senior official be found that is not known to belong to any of the two fiercely opposed camps.

Meanwhile, the Sole Administrator has charged Ibibia Lucky Worika, the professor just appointed into office as secretary to the state government (SSG) to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.

Ibas gave the charge shortly after swearing in Worika as the new SSG at the Executive Chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.

The Administrator said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.

Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.

He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.

“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”

He pointed to his commitment to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.

He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.

He said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.

“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.

“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.