…Directs focus on governance, wellbeing of Rivers people
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has warned the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Dagogo S.A. Wokoma, and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, against attending unauthorised meetings, particularly nocturnal political gatherings, stating that any such conduct would attract immediate dismissal.
The governor issued the warning on Thursday shortly after the duo was sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Administering the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, formally inaugurated the two officials before Governor Fubara delivered a stern charge.
Describing their appointments as a call to service, Fubara cautioned that their new roles must not be used for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition. He emphasised that discipline, loyalty and commitment to the administration’s success and the wellbeing of Rivers people must guide their actions.
He warned that involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any activity capable of embarrassing the government would not be tolerated.
Speaking to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual capacity to discharge the responsibilities of the office. He noted that the position of SSG demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us,” Fubara said, adding that his administration remains committed to completing ongoing projects and consolidating inherited ones for the progress and development of the state.
Turning to the Chief of Staff, the governor stressed that the role requires strict administrative coordination, effective management of official engagements and protection of the image of Government House.
He underscored the sensitive nature of the office, stating that it operates strictly under the governor’s authority and does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it very clearly. Your duty is to handle the administrative responsibilities and image-making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for official assignments. If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious,” he said.
Fubara maintained that his priority remains peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State, warning that any action capable of bringing his office or the government into disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
He congratulated the new appointees and expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them. The governor also urged public officials to work in unity, noting that collective success is more enduring than individual achievements.
Addressing Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, Fubara directed those who have reached retirement age to begin preparing their handover notes without delay. He clarified that the directive was not meant to intimidate anyone but to ensure orderly transitions in the civil service.
He further warned against financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stating that his administration is closely monitoring the system to enforce strict accountability.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Odu, and the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi S. I. Brown.
