Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says his policy focus on employment is strictly on a needs-basis and will not be used for political patronage.
The Governor stressed that recruitment would be targeted at filling critical gaps in essential sectors like teaching and medicine.
This has been so decided following a planned massive overhaul of the education sector outlined in the forthcoming 2026 budget.
Governor Fubara made the commitment on Monday while declaring open the 123rd and 124th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at their Secretariat Council in Port Harcourt.
Emphasising the state’s focus on essential services, the Governor argued that employment must wait for infrastructure improvements in education and health sector.
“Do you employ people to go into school where there is no classrooms? Employment will be based on the need of the state,” he stated firmly, insisting that the primary need is for teachers and health personnel.
He cited the progress made on the Bori Zonal Hospital as evidence of his administration’s commitment, noting that similar projects in Ahoada and Degema are nearing completion and set to follow.
Governor Fubara expressed profound gratitude to the traditional rulers, thanking them for their “fatherly role” in mediating the state’s recent political crisis and ensuring the return of peace.
He also promised to soon resolve the decades-old issue of the Council’s official vehicles, which he noted has lingered for 10 years.
The Governor urged all traditional rulers to be extra vigilant.
He asked them to collaborate closely with local government chairmen and security heads to safeguard life and property, particularly in communities bordering other states.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, commended Governor Fubara for his sustained support and for maintaining the tradition of quarterly meetings.
Eze Worlu-Wodo appreciated the Governor’s responsiveness despite economic constraints, observing significant improvements in peace and stability across the state under his leadership.
He, however, reiterated the Council’s long-standing request for official vehicles, including buses, a Hilux vehicle, and cars for principal officers, to assist traditional rulers in carrying out their crucial oversight duties.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr. Charles Amadi, highlighted the vital role traditional rulers play in conflict resolution and maintaining community stability, encouraging them to deliberate sincerely on progress and challenges.
