Meet secretly and I’ll sack you, Fubara warns new SSG, Chief of Staff

Meet secretly and I’ll sack you, Fubara warns new SSG, Chief of Staff

By Jeffrey Agbo

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has cautioned the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, loyalty, and total commitment to the goals of his administration.

The governor stressed that the interests and welfare of the people of Rivers State must remain the top priority, warning that participation in unauthorised night meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government would lead to instant dismissal.

Fubara issued the warning on Thursday shortly after the new SSG, Dagogo Wokoma, and the Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, who led both appointees in taking the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office, after which the governor delivered his charge.

Addressing the new officials, Fubara said their appointments should be seen strictly as a call to service rather than an avenue for political showmanship or personal ambition.

He noted that they owed a duty first to themselves and the people of Rivers State, insisting that their actions must consistently demonstrate integrity, restraint, and devotion to the public interest.

Speaking directly to Wokoma, whom he described as a seasoned academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual capacity to handle the demands of the office.

He said, “The office of the Secretary to the State Government demands thoroughness, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility.

“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a manner that brings honour to the state. What is important to this administration is to ensure that the good works we started, and those we inherited, are concluded in a way that brings progress and development to our dear state.”

Turning to the Chief of Staff, Fubara said the role requires effective coordination of government activities, proper management of official engagements, and protection of the image of Government House, describing the position as sensitive and directly tied to the authority of the governor.

He added, “Let me make it very clear: your duty is to handle administrative duties and image-making roles efficiently, liaising with anyone coming for any official assignment. If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings or similar activities, I will sack you. I am very serious. What matters to me is the peace, progress, and prosperity of this state. I will not compromise on that.”

The governor further warned that any action capable of dragging the government or his office into disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.

While congratulating the appointees, Fubara expressed confidence that they would live up to the trust placed in them and deliver on their responsibilities.

He also urged all public office holders to embrace unity and teamwork, noting that collective success remains more enduring than individual accomplishments.

Addressing Permanent Secretaries at the event, the governor directed those who had reached retirement age to commence preparation of their handover notes immediately.

He explained that the directive was not meant to intimidate but to ensure proper planning for exit from service and a smooth transition.

Fubara also warned against financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that his administration was closely monitoring the system and would enforce accountability without hesitation.