Sole Administrator of Rivers Government Confirms Appointment of 11 New Permanent Secretaries

• The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has appointed 11 new permanent secretaries, according to an official government statement issued in Port Harcourt
• The announcement, signed by Acting Head of Service Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, confirmed that the newly appointed officials would be sworn in at a later date
• This development marks a significant administrative shift in Rivers State, as the appointed secretaries prepare to assume their roles in governance

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), appointed 11 new permanent secretaries, according to a Special Government Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, May 3, 2025.

The three-paragraph statement, signed by the Acting Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, was sent to newsmen, confirming the appointments.

Official statement on permanent secretaries' appointment

The statement outlined the names of the newly appointed permanent secretaries and indicated that their swearing-in ceremony would be conducted by the sole administrator at a later date.

It read:

"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.

“They include: 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.

“The newly appointed permanent secretaries will be sworn in by His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, on a date to be announced.”

Swearing-in ceremony to be announced

While the appointments have been confirmed, the official swearing-in date remains undisclosed.

The announcement marks a significant administrative development in Rivers State, as the newly appointed officials prepare to assume their roles in the state’s governance structure.

Further updates regarding the swearing-in ceremony are expected in due course.

Sole administration in Rivers

Sole administration in Rivers State was established following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule on March 18, 2025.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) was appointed as the sole administrator, replacing the suspended governor and state assembly members.

This move aimed to stabilize governance amid political tensions and security concerns. The sole administrator oversees state affairs, ensuring continuity in governance while key officials, including the accountant-general, participate in budget defense before the National Assembly.

The judicial arm remains functional, and further developments regarding governance and administration are expected in the coming months.

About sole administrator

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and administrator.

Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, he served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. Following his retirement, he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, overseeing governance after the declaration of emergency rule.

Ibas has an extensive military background, having trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy and various international institutions. His leadership continues to shape administrative policies in Rivers State.

Rivers sole administrator announces new 2025 budget

Legit.ng earlier reported that the sole administrator of Rivers state, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), announced that preparations are underway for the state’s 2025 budget.

He noted that his administration's focus will be on healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation.

Source: Legit.ng