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The recent appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the Secretary to the Rivers State Government has generated reactions from various quarters, particularly within the Ijaw and riverine communities to which he belongs.
But an Ijaw ethnic nationalist and former Nigerian international athlete, Deinma Afiesimama, has described his appointment and acceptance to serve as a “call to national service” rather than as a betrayal.
Prof Worika hails from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, which is part of the Wakirike ethnic nationality, now referred to as the Eastern Ijaws.
Afiesimama, in a chat with South-South PUNCH in Port Harcourt over the weekend, said, “Given the prevailing political turbulence in Rivers State, it is understandable that concerns have been raised about his decision to serve under the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR. However, a closer look at the circumstances of his appointment, his motivations, and the expectations of his new role reveals that his acceptance is a call to service, not an act of betrayal.
“Professor Worika’s appointment was not a product of political maneuvering, but the result of a rigorous selection process.
“Some Ijaws are castigating him without finding out from him what transpired.
The truth is, it was a rigorous competitive interview process that brought about his emergence.
If he had belonged to any particular political camp, it is doubtful that his interviewers would have selected him, considering that part of the mandate of the Sole Administrator was to restore law and order while ensuring a smooth and harmonious transition to a sustainable democracy.”
The reformer and social commentator averred the process leading to his appointment and underscored that his appointment was not politically motivated but rather based on his competence, neutrality, and vision for resolving the political deadlock in Rivers State.
He added, “At a time when the state is deeply divided, having a credible and experienced professional with no political allegiance is crucial in charting a way forward.
“Professor Worika is not new to governance, law, and public service. His distinguished service in academia – the University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State University, international corporate practice – the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Commonwealth Secretariat, London, including high-level policy advisory roles, is evidence of his professionalism.
The activist added that Prof Worika had served in various capacities where his expertise in law and governance has been invaluable.
He said, “His appointment as SSG is not about political patronage but about leveraging his wealth of knowledge and experience to stabilize Rivers State and facilitate an objective resolution of its current crisis.
“It is important to clarify that accepting this role does not equate to betraying the Ijaw people or the riverine communities. Instead, it is a courageous step toward understanding and addressing the root causes of the political impasse while charting a trajectory for a sustainable resolution of the crisis.
“One can only imagine the dilemma that he would have faced in deciding whether or not to accept the appointment. Recall that his parent professional association, the Nigerian Bar Association had condemned the President’s declaration of a state of emergency as unconstitutional, while his umbrella ethnic association, the Ijaw National Congress, of which the Wakirike National Congress is an affiliate, has equally condemned the declaration of a state of emergency and called upon the President to reverse it.”
Insisting that, against this backdrop, Worika’s acceptance to serve should be seen as “a mark of courage and principle to serve for the good of Rivers State.
He enthused, “This is the mindset of a statesman, not a politician. His decision was not about personal gain or political alignment but about finding solutions to a crisis that threatened the stability of Rivers State.
Professor Worika’s appointment should not be viewed through the narrow lens of politics but through the broader perspective of state-building and conflict resolution. The current political crisis in Rivers State requires individuals with intellect, neutrality, and experience to facilitate dialogue and governance. His position as SSG places him in a strategic position to mediate, advise, and push for policies that will restore peace and stability.”
He added that what Rivers State needs now is healing, not more division, noting, “Prof Worika’s presence in government offers a window of opportunity to push for reconciliation and ensure that the interests of all ethnic groups, including the Ijaws, are well represented.”
He challenged the Ijaws and the riverine people to “see Prof Worika’s appointment as SSG as an opportunity to have a voice inside the administration, instead of viewing Prof Worika’s appointment as a betrayal – a voice that understands the stakes and will work towards a just resolution.” He averred that criticizing him without fully understanding the circumstances only serves the interests of those who want Rivers State to remain in chaos.
He added, “The priority now should be how to move Rivers State forward. Prof Worika has taken up this challenge, not for personal gain, but to serve. His track record, neutrality, and expertise make him well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to resolving the political deadlock.
“Rather than ask why he accepted the appointment, we should ask how we can support him to ensure that he achieves the best outcome for Rivers State.”
