Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in 12 new Permanent Secretaries, urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and selfless service as they assume leadership of the state’s civil service.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, the governor described the appointments as a call to duty rather than an opportunity for personal gain, stressing that the new officials must remain committed to serving the people of Rivers State and the nation with fairness and accountability.
Fubara reminded the appointees that the oath of office they had taken should serve as the guiding principle throughout their tenure.
“I do not have any other charge. The charge is the oath you’ve taken. The oath spells it out. Do right to all—every man and woman. Do right to your state and do right to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor said.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are 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 highest managerial cadre of the state civil service, noting that Permanent Secretaries occupy strategic positions that are critical to the efficiency and effectiveness of government ministries.
He charged the officials to provide exemplary leadership, strengthen institutional capacity and improve service delivery across the state.
“It is a call to service. You are the heads of your ministries, wherever you may be sent. You are at the peak of the managerial cadre of the civil service, the highest of our service. You are at the head, so you need to do the work as somebody who is at the head.
“So, I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,” he stated.
The governor further urged the new Permanent Secretaries to build enduring institutions that would outlive his administration, emphasizing that sustainable governance depends on strong public institutions capable of ensuring continuity beyond political transitions.
“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.
Fubara congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence in their ability to drive reforms, improve policy implementation and enhance public service delivery across Rivers State.
The appointments form part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition the Rivers State civil service for greater efficiency, accountability and effective governance, with Permanent Secretaries expected to play a central role as accounting officers and chief administrative heads of their respective ministries.
