Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday challenged the 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing purposeful leadership, upholding professionalism and driving efficient service delivery.
Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, the governor described their appointments as a call to selfless service rather than personal advancement, stressing that they now occupy the highest career positions in the civil service with the responsibility of translating government policies into measurable development.
According to him, the appointments were aimed at strengthening the administrative machinery of government and improving the implementation of programmes that would accelerate the development of Rivers State.
Fubara urged the officials to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness and patriotism, reminding them that the effectiveness of any administration depends largely on the quality of leadership provided by senior civil servants.
“My charge to you is to do right to every man and woman, do right to Rivers State, and do right to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor said.
“At this particular point in time, it is my wish that your coming on board will help this administration achieve its goal—not a personal goal, but the goal of moving Rivers State forward.”
The governor warned against complacency, poor supervision and bureaucratic inefficiency, saying ineffective leadership within ministries could undermine government programmes and deny citizens the benefits of good governance.
“Don’t be at the head and make this administration suffer just like some of the ministries. I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,” he said.
Fubara further reminded the new Permanent Secretaries that their appointments came with greater responsibilities and called on them to build enduring institutions capable of sustaining progress beyond the tenure of the present administration.
“When we are done with our own, I believe your good works will help whoever is going to take over from us to continue the good work in our dear State,” he added.
He also urged them to uphold transparency, accountability and discipline while fostering harmonious working relationships with political office holders and members of staff to promote teamwork and enhance public service delivery.
Expressing confidence in their competence and experience, the governor said the new appointees were expected to reposition the Rivers State Civil Service for greater efficiency and improved performance.
The governor congratulated the officials and wished them success in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Freddy Ndigbara, Dr Fortune Akpila, Dr Promise Oguzie, Mrs Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs Ibiyemiebara Joseph Uzoma, Mrs Mercy Dagogo Iboroma, Dr Wachukwu Vincent Worgu, Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Henry Uzor, Chimemum Mpi and Dr Mina Ikuru.
