Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Thursday warned two newly appointed senior aides against holding unauthorized political meetings, saying any action capable of embarrassing his administration could lead to immediate dismissal.
The governor delivered the warning shortly after the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo S. A. Wokoma, and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt.
During the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the two officials.
Addressing the appointees, Mr. Fubara said their elevation was a call to public service and not an opportunity for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He urged them to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and commitment to the administration and the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that participation in unauthorized nocturnal political meetings or any conduct that could bring the government into disrepute would attract sanctions.
Speaking to the new Secretary to the State Government, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, Mr. Fubara said the office required discipline, thoroughness and a strong sense of responsibility.
“The office of the secretary to the state government demands thoroughness, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility,” the governor said.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state.”
Turning to the Chief of Staff, Mr. Fubara said the position required close administrative coordination and careful management of official engagements at Government House.
He emphasized that the office operates directly under the authority of the governor and does not permit independent political activities without his knowledge.
“Let me sound it here very clearly,” he said. “Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image-making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it.”
The governor said any action capable of bringing his administration or Government House into disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
Mr. Fubara congratulated the new appointees and expressed confidence that they would justify the trust placed in them.
He also urged public officials in the state to work together, noting that collective success in governance was more enduring than individual achievement.