Fresh investigations have revealed that the embattled Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Pastor Tomonialadieokuma Ismael, allegedly falsified his official records to extend his service years by two.
According to documents obtained by our correspondent, Ismael, whose official retirement is slated for September 16, 2025, had reportedly altered his date of birth during the recent civil service verification exercise. His original records indicate September 16, 1965, which places him at the statutory retirement age of 60 after completing 35 years in service.
However, it was gathered that he presented a new date of birth, December 26, 1967, thereby shifting his retirement year to 2027. Following this alleged falsification, a new official identification card was reportedly issued, reflecting the altered details.
Sources within the ministry disclosed that other senior civil servants may also have manipulated their records during the verification exercise to prolong their tenure.
Ismael, who also ministers with Salvation Ministries, began his career as a classroom teacher before transferring to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, where he rose to the position of Permanent Secretary. Investigators note that despite enjoying the full benefits of service, he allegedly sought to overstay his statutory tenure.
Further checks showed that his name in the ministry’s nominal roll currently carries no retirement date, heightening suspicion of deliberate record tampering.
Related: ₦21 Million Telecom Fee Allegedly Diverted into Dormant Ministry Account in Rivers State
This is not his first controversy. Earlier this year, our correspondent reported his alleged role in a ₦22 million scandal following a viral video of a clash between a loyalist Director and the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Administration (DFA). Both the DFA and the Permanent Secretary are said to be facing a disciplinary panel at the Rivers State Civil Service Commission.
In a separate investigation, Ismael was linked to the alleged diversion of ₦21 million earmarked for renewing a telecommunications mast at the Port Harcourt Zoo into a dormant Access Bank account belonging to the ministry.
Civil servants and concerned observers are urging the Acting Head of Service, the Civil Service Commission, and the Accountant-General of the State to act swiftly on the matter. Analysts warn that failure to address the allegations could embolden further record falsification within the state civil service.
