Fubara Issues Stern Warning Against Secret Meetings to New SSG and Chief of Staff

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has issued a clear warning to the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff regarding the consequences of engaging in unauthorized or secret meetings. He stated that such actions would result in their instant termination.

The warning was given on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of the SSG, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, and Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, held at Government House in Port Harcourt.

The ceremony was officiated by Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, who guided both officials in taking the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office. Following this, Governor Fubara conveyed his expectations for their roles.

Fubara emphasized that their new positions were entrusted to them as a service to the state and not as avenues for political grandstanding or personal interests.

He highlighted the necessity of discipline, loyalty, and a commitment to the well-being of the public as guiding principles for their behavior in office.

The governor warned that any actions that could bring embarrassment to the government, such as unauthorized late-night meetings, would be unacceptable. “If you engage in nocturnal meetings or similar actions, I will dismiss you. I am very serious,” he stressed, reaffirming that his primary focus is the peace, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State.

Addressing Wokoma directly, whom he referred to as a notable academic and mathematician, Fubara expressed his trust in Wokoma’s capacity to effectively undertake the demanding duties associated with the SSG position.

He remarked that the role necessitates diligence, thoroughness, and a robust sense of accountability, especially when representing the state government with integrity.

Additionally, Fubara remarked that any conduct that could undermine his office or the government would incur significant repercussions, while expressing confidence that the new appointees would meet the expectations set before them.

This change in leadership follows a renewed peace agreement with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading to the dismissal of Dr. Benibo Anabraba, who had briefly held the SSG position after Fubara returned to office following a period of emergency rule in the state.

Furthermore, Edison Ehie, who was a long-time ally of the governor, was also relieved of his duties as Chief of Staff. Ehie previously served as the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly during the early attempts to impeach the governor back in 2023.

Having opposed the impeachment efforts, he eventually led a faction of four lawmakers to form an alternative Assembly, which functioned in collaboration with Fubara until he resigned after President Bola Tinubu intervened in the conflict, subsequently being appointed as Chief of Staff.