Rivers State Government Refutes Claims of 10,000 Civil Service Job Openings

False Recruitment Notice Sparks Widespread Reactions

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, residents of Rivers State were abuzz with excitement following the sudden circulation of a supposed announcement about the recruitment of 10,000 individuals into the state’s civil service. The information quickly spread across Facebook and other social media platforms, appearing as a formal government notice.

The message, dressed in official-sounding language and allegedly signed by Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, claimed that recruitment would begin at midnight on Sunday, April 13, 2025. It targeted both graduates and non-graduates, promising opportunities in various ministries and government agencies.

For a state like Rivers, where unemployment rates are high and thousands of job-seekers are eager for stable employment, the fake announcement was an emotional trigger. Within hours, comments, reposts, and inquiries flooded the internet, with many hopefuls preparing documents and waiting for the supposed application portal to open.

Unfortunately, the message turned out to be entirely false.

The Viral Facebook Post and Public Misunderstanding

The hoax announcement was particularly believable because of its formatting and how it mimicked actual government releases. It used official logos, referenced state officials, and included dates and procedures—all elements that made it look genuine.

Some Facebook users even began sharing fake application links and demanding payments for "registration." These schemes preyed on the desperation of job-seekers, causing confusion and financial loss in some cases.

As it snowballed online, many believed the news was true simply because "everyone was saying it." This highlights how misinformation spreads quickly when people fail to fact-check.

Official Denial from the State Administrator

Ibok-Ete Ibas Reacts to the Allegations

Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, the sole administrator of Rivers State, promptly responded to the trending story. In a statement from his office, he distanced his administration from the false announcement and made it clear that no recruitment exercise had been approved.

Ibas, known for his disciplined military background and methodical governance style, was quick to issue a disclaimer through proper channels. He emphasized the importance of fact-checking and warned residents against falling for internet scams.

The government’s rebuttal served not only to clear the air but also to reinforce a broader message: official news must come from official sources.

Clarification from the Acting Head of Civil Service

Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, the Acting Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, also weighed in. In her formal statement, she reiterated that any real recruitment process will be conducted by the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, not through random Facebook posts.

She called the viral post entirely untrue and misleading, and advised citizens to be cautious.

Her statement read in part:

“We wish to categorically inform the people of Rivers State and the general public that this is false and ask that this fake announcement be ignored.”

The timing and coordination of the response from both the administrator’s office and the civil service showed how seriously the matter was taken.

Misuse of Government Officials' Names

Fake Signature of Secretary to the State Government

One of the more alarming elements of the hoax was the unauthorized use of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika’s name. The post claimed he signed off on the recruitment notice, adding a layer of false credibility to the scheme.

This kind of forgery not only damages reputations but also compromises public trust. The use of a real name in a fraudulent manner is a serious offense that could lead to legal consequences for the perpetrators.

The state government hinted that investigations might be launched to trace the origin of the post and possibly prosecute those behind it.

Implications of Using Official Titles Falsely

Using government titles, logos, or names without authorization is not just unethical—it’s criminal. It undermines the integrity of public service and confuses the citizens. In this age of digital communication, where anyone can fabricate “official” messages, this incident serves as a cautionary tale.

The public must remember: if a statement isn’t verified by the state’s official website, civil service commission, or radio/tv channels recognized by the state, then it should be treated with skepticism.

How to Spot Fake Recruitment Notices

Common Features of Fraudulent Government Announcements

Unverified sources: Usually first seen on personal social media accounts, not official government handles.
Urgency or pressure tactics: “Apply before midnight” messages are red flags.
Poor formatting: Typos, irregular punctuation, or inconsistent fonts.
Suspicious links: Redirects to unofficial websites or asks for money.
Use of personal email addresses instead of government domains.

Fake recruitment posts are carefully crafted to look real but almost always include these subtle signs.

Tips to Verify Authentic Recruitment Information

Check the Rivers State Civil Service Commission website for updates.
Follow verified social media accounts of the government and its officials.
Listen to state-owned radio stations and watch official TV announcements.
Contact ministry hotlines or visit government offices if in doubt.
Never pay anyone claiming to “help you get in”—genuine recruitment is free and transparent.

What the Public Needs to Know About Recruitment in Rivers State

Real Process of Civil Service Hiring

To protect citizens from falling for fake announcements like the recent civil service recruitment hoax, it's crucial to understand how legitimate recruitment actually works in Rivers State.

Recruitment into the state’s civil service is a highly structured and transparent process handled solely by the Rivers State Civil Service Commission. It follows these standard steps:

Official Announcement: Recruitment drives begin with an official press release through radio, television, and verified online government platforms.
Clear Guidelines: These announcements will provide details such as eligible qualifications, number of vacancies, application deadlines, and official portals.
Free Application: There is no fee required to submit applications for government jobs. Anyone asking for payment is most likely a scammer.
Online Application via Secure Portal: Applications are submitted through the official website (typically ending in .gov.ng), not through third-party or suspicious links.
Screening and Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on merit, qualification, and eligibility criteria. This process is handled by a designated recruitment committee.
Exams and Interviews: Qualified candidates are invited for written tests and interviews. Only those who pass these stages are considered for final employment.
Final List Publication: Successful applicants are publicly announced and given official appointment letters.

Any deviation from this process is a red flag. Citizens are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these steps and share them widely to prevent further misinformation.

Role of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission

The Rivers State Civil Service Commission is the only body authorized to recruit personnel into the state’s ministries, departments, and agencies. Their roles include:

Overseeing employment procedures
Ensuring transparency and meritocracy
Publishing verified job openings
Setting and conducting exams and interviews
Issuing appointment and confirmation letters

Importantly, they do not work with intermediaries or agents. All communication from the Commission comes via official channels. If you're ever in doubt, visiting their office in person or calling their direct line is always a safe move.

Final Thoughts: Protecting the Public From Misinformation

Digital Vigilance in the Age of Fake News

The viral falsehood about civil service recruitment in Rivers State is not an isolated incident. Nigeria—and indeed many countries—has seen a growing trend of fake news and fraudulent job announcements. These are often designed to steal personal information or exploit desperate job-seekers for money.

The speed at which misinformation travels on platforms like Facebook underscores the need for digital literacy. The average social media user must learn to pause and verify before sharing any “official” news that doesn’t originate from a credible source.

Government Must Improve Communication Strategy

To combat such hoaxes, the Rivers State Government and other public institutions must enhance their communication strategies. This means:

Keeping their websites and official pages active and up-to-date.
Responding swiftly to fake news with counter-statements.
Launching public awareness campaigns about how to identify false recruitment posts.
Implementing digital tools to track and flag fake announcements.

When citizens have consistent, reliable access to government information, the likelihood of falling victim to scams reduces drastically.

Conclusion

The recent fake announcement about the recruitment of 10,000 civil servants in Rivers State highlights the urgent need for vigilance and awareness in the digital era. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and other state officials have made it clear: no such recruitment has been approved, and the public should ignore any unofficial sources making such claims.

This incident should serve as both a warning and an educational moment. Residents must always verify before they trust, especially when it comes to matters as sensitive as employment.

While the dream of securing a government job remains valid for many, that dream must not be exploited by dishonest individuals. It’s time for both the government and citizens to work hand-in-hand in fighting the scourge of misinformation.

FAQs

1. Is Rivers State currently recruiting for civil service positions?
No, there is no ongoing civil service recruitment in Rivers State as of now. Any official recruitment will be publicly announced by the Rivers State Civil Service Commission.

2. How can I verify if a government job post is real?
Check the official government website, follow verified social media handles, listen to state radio or TV, and avoid any third-party links or unofficial platforms.

3. What should I do if I already submitted personal information to a fake portal?
Immediately report the incident to local authorities and the Rivers State Civil Service Commission. Also, change your passwords and monitor your personal data for misuse.

4. Who can I contact for verified job updates in Rivers State?
You can reach out to the Rivers State Civil Service Commission through their official website or visit their office directly for accurate updates.

5. What are the penalties for spreading fake recruitment information?
Disseminating false information, especially using the names of government officials, is a criminal offense and could result in arrest and prosecution under cybercrime and forgery laws.