Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has inaugurated five new Special Advisers, tasking them with the mission of enhancing collaboration within his administration to ensure efficient governance.
Oath-Taking and Governor's Charge
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday, January 2, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara personally administered the oath of office to the five appointees.
The newly sworn-in advisers are: Barr. Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Prof. Peter Medee, Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Victor Ekaro, and Dr. Darlington Orji.
Addressing the appointees, Governor Fubara stated that their selection was a strategic move to fortify the government's operational framework. "What we are doing this afternoon is to bring in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state," he explained.
Familiar Faces for a Clear Vision
The Governor emphasized that the advisers were not new to his administration's philosophy. He noted they had previously worked with him in various roles, which would enable a seamless integration into the government's objectives.
"These are not new faces. They have been with us and have worked with us. They understand the philosophy of this administration, and it will not be difficult for them to align and ensure that our goals are achieved," Fubara remarked.
He stressed that the appointments were a call to serious work, not a ceremonial honour. Effective governance, he asserted, requires collective effort, discipline, and a shared sense of responsibility. He warned against any form of complacency, reminding them of the high expectations from the people of Rivers State.
A Social Contract with Rivers People
Governor Fubara framed the appointments as a critical opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public service. He reaffirmed his administration's unwavering focus on purposeful leadership and translating policies into tangible benefits for citizens.
"It is a rare opportunity. Do not let us down. Our social contract with the people of Rivers State is to work, and that is exactly what we have come to do," the Governor charged the new team.
He expressed confidence that the advisers would work cohesively to drive the administration's vision of delivering effective, people-centred governance.
In a related political development, Robinson Edewor, a former ally of Governor Fubara and ex-factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, has made allegations against the Governor. Edewor claimed Fubara misled his supporters by portraying the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as intimidating him.
Speaking during a visit by Wike to the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Edewor stated he now regretted his support, having "discovered the truth" following the truce between Fubara and Wike. He attributed the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State to a failure of leadership and a lack of sincerity.
"Leadership is the ability to reconcile quarrels and disagreements. The turmoil in Rivers State has lingered because the truth was not told," Edewor said, predicting that others would eventually realize the situation and "the truth shall set them free."
