Governor says appointments are “a call to service,” not rewards
By Henry IHIMEKPEN
PORT HARCOURT – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday swore in 12 new Permanent Secretaries, charging them to uphold the oath of office, demonstrate integrity, and provide selfless leadership as they assume the highest managerial positions in the state civil service.
The governor said the appointments were not rewards or avenues for personal enrichment but a call to serve the people of Rivers State with fairness, professionalism and unwavering loyalty to both the state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara reminded the appointees that the oath they had just taken should remain the guiding principle of their conduct throughout their tenure.
“Do right to all — every man and woman. Do right to your state and do right to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
— Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State
“I do not have any other charge. The charge is the oath you’ve taken. The oath spells it out,” the governor declared.
Those sworn in included Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, Mrs. Fortune Akpila, Dr. Promise Oguzie, Mrs. Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs. Ibiyemibara Joseph Uzoma, Mrs. Mercy Dagogo Iboroma, Dr. Vincent Worgu Wachukwu, Mr. Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr. Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Mr. Henry Uzor, Mr. Chimenum Anebo Mpi and Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru.
The oath of office was administered by the Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration) of the Rivers State High Court, Magistrate Betty Sunny-Hart.
Fubara described the appointments as an elevation to the pinnacle of the state’s civil service hierarchy, noting that permanent secretaries occupy strategic positions that determine the efficiency and effectiveness of government ministries.
According to him, the appointees must provide the leadership needed to improve governance and strengthen public service delivery across the state.
“You are at the peak of the managerial cadre of the civil service… I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system.”
— Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State
“It is a call to service. You are the heads of your ministries, wherever you may be sent. You are at the head, so you need to do the work as somebody who is at the head,” he said.
The governor further urged the officials to build institutions that would endure beyond the lifespan of his administration, stressing that effective governance is measured by continuity and the ability of successive administrations to build on established foundations.
“When we are done with our own, I believe that your good work will help whoever is coming to take over from us to also continue with the good work in our dear state,” he added.
He congratulated the newly appointed permanent secretaries and wished them success in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The appointments come as the Fubara administration continues efforts to reposition the Rivers State civil service for greater efficiency amid ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance, policy implementation and service delivery.
Permanent secretaries, as accounting officers and chief administrative heads of ministries, play a pivotal role in translating government policies into programmes and ensuring continuity in public administration irrespective of political transitions.
