The Rivers State Government, South-South Nigeria, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, loyalty and unwavering commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara gave the charge shortly after Dr Dagogo Wokoma was sworn in as Secretary to the State Government and Barrister Sunny Ewule as Chief of Staff at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, 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 to the duo before the Governor addressed them.
Speaking to the appointees, Governor Fubara reminded them that their elevation was a call to service, not an avenue for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition. He stressed that their foremost responsibility is to the people of Rivers State and that their conduct must consistently reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to the public good.
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Addressing Dr Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the Governor expressed confidence in his intellectual capacity to deliver on the new assignment. He noted that the office of the Secretary to the State Government requires thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us,” Fubara said.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state.”
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the Governor explained that the role requires seamless administrative coordination, effective management of official engagements and protection of the image of Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the position, emphasising that it operates strictly under the authority of the Governor. He warned that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image-making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here,” he said.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it.”
The Governor cautioned that any action capable of bringing the government or his office into disrepute would attract immediate dismissal and appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them. He called on all public officials to work together in unity, noting that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
He also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present, directing those who have reached retirement age to begin preparing their handover notes without delay. The directive, he explained, was not intended to intimidate anyone but to ensure an orderly transition and prepare them for the inevitability of exiting public service.
The Governor further warned against financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that his administration is closely monitoring the system to guarantee strict enforcement of accountability rules.
Reaffirming his administration’s priorities, Fubara maintained that discipline, transparency and unity remain central to achieving lasting peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State.