THE Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has urged newly appointed Permanent Secretaries to demonstrate accountability, uphold due process, and ensure effective policy implementation in their respective roles.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held yesterday at the Executive Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas highlighted the vital role civil service leadership plays in promoting good governance and maintaining institutional integrity.
He noted that the appointments of the eight permanent secretaries were timely and strategic, given recent administrative vacancies due to the retirement of senior officers.
“Your emergence is critical at this time,” Ibas said. “You must promote peace through good governance and ensure efficient service delivery. Your performance must lead to visible improvements in the daily lives of our people—beyond just activity, focus on measurable outcomes.”
He stressed the importance of embracing innovation, digital transformation, and inter-ministerial coordination as part of ongoing public sector reforms.
Ibas also issued a stern warning against financial mismanagement, describing fiscal discipline and transparency as non-negotiable.
“Government must operate as a united system with shared objectives. Every naira spent must be accounted for. Be intentional, transparent, and fully accountable in managing public funds,” he warned.
He encouraged the appointees to challenge outdated practices, drive excellence, and rebuild public confidence in the civil service through ethical and results-driven leadership.
The newly sworn-in 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