The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has urged the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries to maintain public trust by adhering to accountability, due process, and ensuring effective implementation of government policies.
Ibas delivered this charge during the swearing-in ceremony of eight newly appointed Permanent Secretaries on Thursday at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.
He highlighted the vital role civil service leadership plays in promoting good governance and safeguarding institutional integrity.
The administrator noted that the appointments were both strategic and timely, following the retirement of experienced officers, which had left noticeable 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He also encouraged them to break away from outdated bureaucratic practices, promote a culture of excellence, and restore public confidence in the civil service by embracing ethical leadership and a results-driven approach to administration.
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.