PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – July 13, 2025 – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, on Thursday officially swore in eight new Permanent Secretaries into the state civil service. During the ceremony held at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, Administrator Ibas issued a robust charge, tasking the administrative leaders to uphold the highest standards of accountability, due process, and policy execution in their pivotal roles.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are: Imaonyani Roselin Ephraim-George, Dabite Sokari George, Soibitein Duke Harry, Lauretta Davies Dimkpa, Uche R. Ideozu, Jeremiah Egwu, Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, and Vera Sam Dike.
In a statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser on Media, Rivers State Government, Vice Admiral Ibas underscored that the very stability of the public service, the clarity of policy direction, and the integrity of government operations are intrinsically dependent on their leadership. He noted that the recent retirement of experienced civil servants had created crucial gaps in institutional memory and administrative efficiency, rendering these appointments both timely and strategically imperative.
“Your emergence is critical at this time. You must promote peace through good governance by ensuring efficient service delivery,” Administrator Ibas asserted. “Your work must translate into tangible impacts that improve the daily lives of our citizens—moving beyond mere activity to measurable outcomes.”
The Administrator vehemently urged the new Permanent Secretaries to champion institutional reforms, wholeheartedly embrace innovation and digital transformation, and decisively eliminate inefficiencies that hinder service delivery. He particularly stressed the paramount importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, stringent fiscal discipline, and unwavering transparency in financial management.
“Government must function as one cohesive system working toward shared goals. You must ensure prudent use of public funds—every naira allocated must be accounted for. Be deliberate, transparent, and accountable in all financial matters,” he added, emphasizing a clear zero-tolerance for financial mismanagement.
Vice Admiral Ibas further called upon the newly sworn-in officials to challenge the status quo, foster a pervasive culture of excellence, and actively work to restore public confidence in governance through their diligent actions.
This swearing-in ceremony marks a significant stride in strengthening the administrative framework of Rivers State, signaling high expectations for improved public service delivery and more effective policy implementation under the current administration.
