Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries to view their appointments as a call to selfless service and to work towards advancing the state’s development rather than pursuing personal interests.
Addressing the officials shortly after their swearing-in, the governor said their emergence was intended to strengthen his administration’s capacity to deliver on its mandate and leave a lasting legacy for future governments.
Fubara stressed that, as the highest-ranking career officers in the civil service, the Permanent Secretaries must provide effective leadership in their respective ministries and ensure improved service delivery.
He urged them to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, patriotism and commitment to both Rivers State and Nigeria.
‘Do right to everyone, your State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the governor charged.
He added, ‘At this particular point in time, it is my wish that your coming on board is to help this administration achieve its goal. Not personal, but goals of moving the State forward, so that when we are done with our own, I believe that your good work will help whoever is going to take over from us to also continue the good work in our dear State.’
Describing their appointments as a call to service, Fubara reminded the officials that they now occupy the pinnacle of the civil service’s managerial cadre and must justify the confidence reposed in them.
‘You are the heads of your ministry wherever you are going to be sent to. You are at the peak of the managerial cadre of the civil service, the highest of our service, so you need to do the work as somebody at the head,’ he said.
The governor cautioned against poor leadership and inefficiency, expressing optimism that the new Permanent Secretaries would reposition the ministries for greater effectiveness.
‘Don’t be at the head and make this administration suffer just like some of the ministries. So, I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,’ he stated.
Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries and wished them success in discharging their duties.
‘I congratulate every one of you and wish you the best’.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Mr Freddy Ndigbara, Dr Fortune Akpila, Dr Promise Oguzie, Mrs Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs Ibiyemiebara Joseph Uzoma and Mrs Mercy Dagogo Iboroma.
Others are Dr Wachukwu Vincent Worgu, Mr Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Mr Henry Uzor, Mr Chimemum Mpi and Dr Mina Ikuru.