L-R: Iningi Brown, Head of Service of Rivers State, Dagogo Wokoma, newly appointed Secretary to the State Government; Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara; Ngozi Ordu, Deputy Governor; and the new Chief of Staff, Sunny Iwule, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
…warns its allies against political actions or acts of war
The anger of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come as a clear indication of Gov. Sim Fubara's readiness to abide by the latest peace accord in Aso Rock.
The Governor has asked the new colleagues appointed by him not to attend any meeting without his explicit approval. He also clarified that what matters to him now is the smooth completion of the projects that he started or that he inherited.
He said that they should be ready to walk out any day and there should not be any last minute gimmicks.
In a statement issued by his new Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Onwuka Nzeshi, the Governor issued the Riot Act to the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (COS) to discharge their duties with discipline, loyalty and steadfast commitment to the success of the administration and the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
He warned that attending unauthorized night meetings or any conduct embarrassing the government would be met with immediate dismissal.
Also read: Despite impeachment battle, Fubara vows not to lose focus on governance, infrastructure
The governor gave this warning on Thursday, soon after the swearing-in of the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dagogo SA Wokoma, and the new Chief of Staff (COS), Sunny Iwule, at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, administered the oath of allegiance and office to both Governor Fubara before handing over his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Governor Fubara reminded them that their elevation to new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the fulfillment of personal ambition.
He stressed that his greatest responsibility must be to himself and the people of Rivers State, stressing that his conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to the public good.
Speaking directly to Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, Gov Fubara expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and ability to meet the new assignment.
Fubara stressed that the office of Secretary to the State Government demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the state with honor at all times.
“Your duty also includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way that brings us respect.
He said, “It is important for this administration to see that the good work that we started and that we completed are accomplished in a way that brings progress and development to our beloved state.”
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the Governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, effectively manage official engagements and safeguard the image of the government house.
He underlined the sensitive and personal nature of the role and stressed that the post operates strictly under the authority of the Governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not allow independent political activities or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“I want to say it very clearly here. Your duty is to ensure that you handle the administrative duties and image building roles absolutely well, maintain contact with whoever is coming here for any official work.
He said, “If you involve yourself in night meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I am very serious. What is important for me today is the peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I am not going to make any compromise for that.”
He cautioned that appropriate sanctions will be imposed for the involvement of the new appointees in any act that brings disrepute to the government or their office.
Congratulating the new appointees, Governor Fubara expressed hope that they would live up to the confidence reposed in him. He called upon all public officials to work in unison and said that collective success is stronger and more lasting than individual achievement.
The Governor, who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those among them who have reached the age of retirement to start preparing their handover notes without any delay.
He said the purpose of the notice was not to scare anyone, but to prepare their minds for the inevitability of exit from the service one day and pave the way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempts to indulge in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities and stressed that he is closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.
