In a dramatic turn of events, Dr. George Nwaeke, the Rivers State Head of Service, has resigned from his position under intense pressure from the state’s military-appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
Sources close to the matter indicate that Nwaeke was not willing to step down voluntarily but was pressured into resignation due to internal conflicts with the new administration. This development further deepens the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State following the federal government’s controversial suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his cabinet.
The Resignation Announcement
The resignation was officially announced on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in a statement signed by Vice Admiral Ibas’ office. The statement expressed appreciation for Dr. Nwaeke’s contributions during his tenure and wished him well in his future endeavors.
However, sources within the government have revealed that the resignation was not entirely voluntary. According to insiders, Dr. Nwaeke faced mounting pressure from the military-led administration to vacate his office, allegedly due to disagreements over governance policies and civil service management.
“Dr. Nwaeke was not willing to leave on his own terms. He was compelled to step down due to intense pressure from the Sole Administrator. The new leadership wanted someone more aligned with their agenda,” a senior government official, who wished to remain anonymous, told our correspondent.
The Political Crisis in Rivers State: A Brief Background
The resignation of Dr. Nwaeke is the latest in a series of political shake-ups in Rivers State. Last week, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, effectively dissolving the state’s elected government and placing Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibas in charge as the Sole Administrator.
This action led to the suspension of:
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara
- Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Ordu
- All members of the Rivers State House of Assembly
The intervention has sparked national outrage, with legal experts, civil society groups, and opposition politicians condemning the move as undemocratic and unconstitutional.
“This is a coup against democracy. The Constitution does not empower the President to remove an elected government arbitrarily,” the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said in a strongly worded statement.
Why Was Dr. Nwaeke Forced to Resign?
According to sources, Dr. Nwaeke’s resignation was triggered by disagreements with the new military-backed administration over civil service operations and policy direction.
There are several possible reasons for his forced resignation:
- Loyalty to the Former Administration
- Dr. Nwaeke was appointed under Governor Fubara’s administration, and it is believed that the new leadership wanted someone more aligned with their interests.
- The Sole Administrator is reportedly replacing key figures in the government with loyalists to consolidate power.
- Disagreements Over Governance
- Sources suggest that Dr. Nwaeke opposed certain decisions made by the Sole Administrator, particularly those affecting the civil service.
- His refusal to implement specific directives may have led to his removal under pressure.
- Desire for Total Control
- The federal intervention in Rivers State has been widely criticized as an authoritarian takeover.
- Removing Dr. Nwaeke may have been part of a broader strategy to eliminate resistance within government institutions.
“The new leadership wants full control. They don’t want anyone questioning their decisions, and Dr. Nwaeke was not willing to be a puppet,” another source told our reporter.
What This Means for the Rivers State Civil Service
Dr. Nwaeke’s forced resignation raises serious concerns about the state’s civil service operations. The Head of Service is a crucial figure responsible for:
- Overseeing government workforce policies
- Ensuring the smooth running of ministries and agencies
- Advising on administrative procedures
With his sudden departure, civil servants may face uncertainty regarding policy direction, appointments, and governance stability.
Additionally, the rushed appointment of a new Acting Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyingi Brown, suggests that the new administration is moving quickly to consolidate control over the civil service.
Public and Political Reactions
The forced resignation of Dr. Nwaeke has fueled further criticism of the Sole Administrator’s leadership.
1. Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
The NBA has described the political interference in Rivers State’s civil service as a dangerous precedent.
“The Constitution guarantees the independence of the civil service. Forcing out the Head of Service through political intimidation is an abuse of power,” the association said.
2. Civil Society Groups and Labour Unions
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have condemned the development, warning that political interference in the civil service could lead to governance failures.
“If the government continues to force out officials based on political loyalty rather than competence, the Rivers civil service will suffer,” the NLC warned.
3. Rivers State Residents and Public Opinion
Many residents see Dr. Nwaeke’s resignation as further proof that the new administration is suppressing opposition voices.
“This is not governance. This is dictatorship,” said a local government worker in Port Harcourt.
What Happens Next?
With Dr. Nwaeke’s resignation confirmed, the next steps in Rivers State politics remain uncertain.
Some key questions remain unanswered:
- Will more top government officials be forced out?
- How will civil servants respond to the leadership change?
- Will the Sole Administrator further tighten control over state institutions?
- Will there be legal action against the federal government’s intervention in Rivers politics?
Legal experts suggest that Governor Fubara and his allies may challenge the state of emergency in court, but for now, the military-backed leadership remains in full control.
What you should know
The forced resignation of Dr. George Nwaeke is yet another major blow to Rivers State’s political stability. It signals that the new administration is actively removing officials associated with the former government, potentially reshaping the entire structure of governance in the state.
With public dissatisfaction growing and legal challenges looming, Rivers State’s political crisis is far from over. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether democracy and civilian governance can be restored—or if the military-backed leadership will continue its grip on power.
