Fubara warns SSG, Chief of Staff against unauthorized meetings, threatens dismissal

2026-02-26 - 18:48

By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to discharge their duties with discipline, loyalty, and commitment to the administration’s success and the wellbeing of the people. He warned that involvement in unauthorized nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government would attract immediate dismissal. The governor issued the warning on Thursday shortly after the swearing-in of the new SSG, Dr. Dagogo S.A. Wokoma, and Chief of Staff, Barrister Sunny Ewule, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, 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 appointees before the governor delivered his charge. Addressing the new officials, Fubara described their appointments as a call to service rather than an avenue for political grandstanding or personal ambition. He stressed that their conduct must reflect integrity, restraint, and dedication to the public good. Speaking to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver, noting that the office of the SSG requires thoroughness, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility. “Your duty includes representing the state government in a manner that brings honour to us,” he said, adding that the administration is focused on completing ongoing projects and advancing development across the state. Turning to the new Chief of Staff, Fubara said the role entails ensuring smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements, and safeguarding the image of Government House. He emphasized the sensitive nature of the position, noting that it operates strictly under the authority of the governor and does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent. “If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious,” the governor warned, stressing that peace, progress, and prosperity remain his administration’s priorities. Fubara cautioned that any action capable of bringing the government or his office into disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions. While congratulating the appointees, he expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them and called on public officials to work in unity, noting that collective success is more enduring than individual achievement. The governor also directed permanent secretaries present at the ceremony who have reached retirement age to begin preparing their handover notes, describing the directive as part of efforts to ensure orderly transition in the civil service. He further warned against financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stating that his administration is closely monitoring the system to enforce accountability.