Rivers State Head of Service resigns amid political crisis

Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, has resigned from office in a move that adds to the ongoing political turmoil in the state.

His resignation was formally announced on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

The statement expressed gratitude for Nwaeke’s service during his brief tenure and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.

In the interim, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyingi Brown, the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service, has been appointed as Acting Head of Service until a substantive replacement is named.

While congratulating Brown on her new role, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining neutrality, peace, and stability in Rivers State, emphasizing the administration’s resolve to ensure continuity in governance.

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The official statement read: “The Office of His Excellency, The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr. George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.

“His Excellency, The Administrator, appreciates the immense contributions he has shown to this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavors.”

Nwaeke’s resignation comes just one week after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a decision that saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Ngozi Nma Ordu, and all members of the State Assembly.

The President’s directive has sparked widespread criticism from major political figures, civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and a significant portion of Rivers State residents.

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Many view the move as an overreach of federal authority, raising concerns about the implications for democratic governance in the state.

As tensions remain high in Rivers State, Nwaeke’s resignation further underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding the political landscape, with analysts predicting potential legal and political battles in the coming weeks.