The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged twelve newly appointed Permanent Secretaries to uphold the oath of office they took, stressing that their elevation to the highest managerial cadre of the state civil service is a call to selfless service, integrity and effective leadership.
The governor gave the charge on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, where he urged the new appointees to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, patriotism and unwavering commitment to the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The newly inaugurated 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 High Court of Rivers State, Magistrate Betty Sunny-Hart.
Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, Governor Fubara described their appointment as a significant responsibility that places them at the helm of the state’s administrative machinery. He urged them to let the oath they had just taken guide every decision they make in office.
“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.
Fubara noted that Permanent Secretaries occupy the highest managerial positions in the civil service and are expected to provide leadership capable of driving efficiency, professionalism and improved service delivery across government ministries.
He expressed confidence that the new appointments would strengthen governance and enhance the implementation of his administration’s development agenda, adding that the appointments were not intended for personal benefit but for the advancement of the state.
Describing the appointments as a “call to service,” the governor reminded the officials that they would serve as administrative heads of their respective ministries and must therefore demonstrate competence, accountability and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
“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.
Governor Fubara further expressed hope that the impact of their service would endure beyond the tenure of his administration, saying that their commitment to excellence would lay a solid foundation for future governments to build upon.
“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.
