Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas Appoints Iyingi, New HOS, As The Former, Nwaeke Suddenly Resigns

The military sole administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has appointed Dr. Iyingi Brown as the acting Head Of Service of the state.

This followed sudden resignation of Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, from office.

His resignation was announced in a statement today, Tuesday 25th March 2025, signed by the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Sole Administrator.

The statement expressed appreciation for Nwaeke’s contributions to the administration of the Sole Administrator in the few days he served, and wished him success in 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 in an acting capacity until a substantive Head of Service is named.

While congratulating Brown on her appointment, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to neutrality, peace, and stability in Rivers State.

The statement read, “The statement 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 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, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Ngozi Nma Ordu, and all members of the State Assembly.

The President’s decision has drawn 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.