- Councils ordered to render account
Rivers State Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas yesterday suspended all political office holders appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He also ordered the heads of administration in the local government areas to render account of their performance.
Those affected are: Secretary to State Government (SSG); the Chief of Staff (CoS), Commissioners, chairmen and members of all boards, councils of agencies, commission’s, institutions and parastatals, special advisers, special assistants and senior special assistants.
The state government said the action was in line with the powers conferred on the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement on the development was signed by the Chief of Staff to the Vice Admiral Ibas.
It emanated from the official mailing box of the government.
It reads: “This suspension takes effect from Wednesday March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent Secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director or head of administration.”
Ibas inaugurates SSG
Also yesterday, the Administrator inaugurated Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika as the SSG at the Executive Chambers of Government House.
He directed him to hit the ground running by bringing his wealth of experience to bear in the governance of the state.
The Administrator congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment and said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
He explained that the SSG had an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which aligned 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, stabilise the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Ibas pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people where he emphasised that his administration would be committed to delivering effective governance anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He enjoined the SSG to brace to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Ibas 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.”
Ibas demands reports from managers
Vice-Admiral Ibas asked the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGA) in the 23 local government areas to submit the activities of their respective councils.
He directed them to submit the report to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.
The administrators were appointed by the suspended Governor Fubara, following the Supreme Court ruling that voided the election of council chairmen.
Ibas’ directive was contained in a March 24 memo to the HLGAs and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dr. Itong Awani.
The memo, titled: “Re: Submission of report of the activities of your councils”, listed requirements to be submitted as functions of councils, number of staff on nominal roll, sources of revenue of the local government areas, among others”.
The council managers were asked to submit the report on or before yesterday.
The memo reads: “His Excellency, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State has directed that all Heads of Local Government Administration should submit the Report of their Councils to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs.
“I am also to inform you that all submissions using the format listed below should reach the office of the undersigned on or before Wednesday, 26h March, 2025 for onward transmission to the office of the Sole Administrator, Government House, Port Harcourt, for further necessary action.
“Submission template: Introduction/preamble, functions of the council; number of staff on nominal roll stating cadre by cadre; sources of revenue generation in the local government areas.
“Activities of the council/on-going and completed projects for the past two years; achievements of the council; challenges and recommendations.
“Kindly treat as urgent and keep to the timeline of submission.”
