The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has charged the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries to uphold public trust by strictly adhering to accountability, due process, and effective policy implementation.
Ibas gave the charge during the swearing-in of eight newly appointed permanent secretaries held Thursday at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.
The retired vice admiral emphasised the important role of civil service leadership in ensuring good governance and institutional integrity.
According to the administrator, the appointments are both strategic and timely, as the exit of seasoned officers has created administrative gaps.
“Your emergence is critical at this time. You must promote peace through good governance by ensuring efficient service delivery,” he said.
“Your work must translate into tangible impacts that improve the daily lives of our citizens, moving beyond mere activity to measurable outcomes.”
Ibas underscored the need for the new appointees to drive public sector reform by embracing innovation, digital transformation, and improved coordination across ministries.
He also warned against financial mismanagement, stressing that fiscal discipline and transparency are non-negotiable.
“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.
He further urged them to challenge the bureaucratic status quo, foster excellence, and help rebuild public confidence in the civil service through ethical leadership and result-oriented administration.
The new 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.
