Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries to regard their appointments as an opportunity to serve the state with dedication, rather than as a platform for personal gain.
Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office, the governor said their appointments were aimed at enhancing his administration’s ability to fulfil its mandate and build a legacy that would benefit future governments.
Fubara also reminded the officials that, as the most senior career officers in the civil service, they are expected to provide strong leadership in their respective ministries and drive greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
He urged them to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, patriotism and commitment to both Rivers State and Nigeria.
“Do right to everyone, your State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor charged.
He added, “At this particular point in time, it is my wish that your coming on board is to help this administration achieve its goal. Not personal, but goals of moving the State forward, so that when we are done with our own, I believe that your good work will help whoever is going to take over from us to also continue the good work in our dear State.”
Describing their appointments as a call to service, Fubara reminded the officials that they now occupy the pinnacle of the civil service’s managerial cadre and must justify the confidence reposed in them.
“You are the heads of your ministry wherever you are going to be sent to. You are at the peak of the managerial cadre of the civil service, the highest of our service, so you need to do the work as somebody at the head,” he said.
The governor cautioned against poor leadership and inefficiency, expressing optimism that the new Permanent Secretaries would reposition the ministries for greater effectiveness.
“Don’t be at the head and make this administration suffer just like some of the ministries. So, I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,” he stated.
Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries and wished them success in discharging their duties.
“I congratulate every one of you and wish you the best”.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Mr Freddy Ndigbara, Dr Fortune Akpila, Dr Promise Oguzie, Mrs Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs Ibiyemiebara Joseph Uzoma and Mrs Mercy Dagogo Iboroma.
Others are Dr Wachukwu Vincent Worgu, Mr Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Mr Henry Uzor, Mr Chimemum Mpi and Dr Mina Ikuru.
