The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a strong warning to the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Dagogo S.A. Wokoma, and Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, cautioning them against engaging in unauthorised meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing his administration.
The governor gave the warning on Thursday shortly after the two officials were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt.
During the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the appointees before the governor addressed them.
Fubara told the new officials that their appointments were a call to serve the people and not an opportunity for personal ambition or political manoeuvring. He stressed that their actions must reflect discipline, loyalty and commitment to the progress of Rivers State.
Speaking on the role of the SSG, the governor said the office requires thoroughness and a deep sense of responsibility, urging Dr. Wokoma to represent the state government with honour at all times.
On the responsibilities of the Chief of Staff, Fubara said the position involves coordinating government activities, managing official engagements and protecting the image of Government House. He emphasised that the office operates strictly under his authority.
The governor warned that any involvement in nocturnal or unauthorised meetings would not be tolerated, adding that he would not hesitate to dismiss any official who violates his directives.
Fubara also cautioned that any action capable of bringing the government into disrepute would attract sanctions.
He congratulated the new appointees and expressed confidence that they would justify the trust placed in them, urging all public officials in the state to work together in unity for the overall success of the administration.
The governor also used the occasion to address permanent secretaries present at the event, directing those who have reached retirement age to begin preparing their handover notes immediately.
He said the directive was aimed at ensuring a smooth transition in the civil service and warned against any form of financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, noting that his administration is closely monitoring the system to enforce accountability.
