The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibas Eket, has inaugurated newly appointed permanent secretaries into the state civil service, marking a major step in the state’s reform and recovery agenda.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held in Port Harcourt, Eket described the moment as “a defining step in our collective effort to rebuild the Rivers State Public Service and reposition it as an instrument of responsive and accountable governance.”
He urged the new appointees to see their roles not just as jobs but as a sacred trust and a critical contribution to a national mandate led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “restore peace, stability, and good governance” to Rivers State.
“This is more than an administrative exercise,” Eket declared. “Your appointment today is a reaffirmation of our commitment to institutional reform, performance-based leadership, and purposeful service delivery.”
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Eket acknowledged that Rivers State is undergoing a delicate but necessary transition and that expectations are high. He emphasized that the civil service has suffered loss of experienced officers to retirement, leaving gaps that must now be filled with innovation, discipline, and strong leadership.
“As permanent secretaries, you are stewards of public trust, custodians of due process, and drivers of policy implementation,” he said.
The Sole Administrator laid out a clear roadmap for the new secretaries, urging them to shift from routine activities to impactful outcomes, drive institutional reform, embrace digital innovation, mentor future leaders, and ensure every naira allocated is accounted for.
He warned that while the administration will provide necessary support — including capacity building, better conditions, and digital tools — it will also enforce strict performance benchmarks.
“Support comes with expectations. Those who excel will be recognized and supported. Those who fail to meet the standards will be held accountable,” Eket said firmly.
Eket concluded by charging the permanent secretaries to lead with humility, integrity, and a vision that aligns with the government’s goal of restoring public trust in the civil service.
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“You must become enablers of peace, advocates of reform, and champions of national unity,” he said. “The people of Rivers State are watching. History will record what you do with this opportunity.”
The swearing-in ceremony closed with a round of applause, symbolizing a renewed hope in the machinery of governance in Rivers State.
