The Rivers State Governor, Siminilayi Fubara, has sworn in new permanent secretaries, charging them to remain apolitical in the discharge of their duties as true professionals.
Governor Fubara gave the charge shortly after the swearing in at Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The governor said they were chosen not because they were lucky, but were found competent in their various ministries and can be trusted to offer greater service to the State.
Sir Fubara noted that most ministries were without proper administrative heads, with some of them playing supervisory roles.
He said with their appointment, it is expected that they chart a proper course while committing to do the right things always.
Fubara promised to provide provide permanent secretaries a conducive environment that will enhance their productivity. He said his administration had promised Rivers people better welfare with thriving security, and they were required to key into his policies to ensure better service delivery.
“It is not just being lucky to be among the ones that are chosen to be permanent secretaries at this critical time of our government. But live up to it.
“Know that it is not just an appointment. After two or three months, your faces will start to change. But see it as a call to duty.
“We have a lot to do for our people and your responsibility as permanent secretaries is so much. We have a lot of ministries that are not manned by adequate authority for a while now.
“That is the reason why we have to appoint this number so that all the ministries will have administrative heads, pending when they will have political heads.
“So, we are doing this because we want to chart a proper course for this government.”
Roll call
The governor later directed the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, to hand over official cars to the 16 newly sworn in permanent secretaries.
They included Hebron Wisdom, Dede Friday, Briggs Karibo, Nyempe Gregory, Ndah Emmanuel, Ngochindo Epobari.
Otyers are Ishmael Tomonialadieokuma, Wakama Boma A. George, Nweke Onyeche Kelvin,
Okereuku Alwell Chinedum, Ndukue Patrick.
Ichemati Maxwell Mbadiwe, Iwarilama-Brown Inyingi Sabina, Ogolo Maurice Eric, Kejeh Ruhuoma Chinedu and Jacob Fayeofori Francis.
They were sworn in amidst tension. This was after the demand by the state House of Assembly for Governor Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget before it.
