I’ll Sack You If You Engage in Secret Meetings, Fubara warns SSG, Chief of Staff

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has warned the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff that any involvement in unauthorised or secret meetings would lead to their immediate dismissal.

The governor issued the warning on Thursday shortly after the swearing-in of the SSG, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, and the Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, at Government House in Port Harcourt.

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

Fubara stressed that their appointments were a call to service rather than an opportunity for political showmanship or personal ambition.

He emphasised that discipline, loyalty and commitment to the welfare of the people must guide their conduct.

The governor warned that any action capable of embarrassing the government, including participation in unauthorised nocturnal meetings, would not be tolerated. “If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings or similar activities, I will sack you. I am very serious,” he said, adding that peace, progress and prosperity of the state remained his top priorities.

Speaking specifically to Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, Fubara expressed confidence in his ability to deliver on the demanding responsibilities of the SSG’s office.

He noted that the position requires discipline, thoroughness and a strong sense of responsibility, especially in representing the state government with honour.

Fubara also cautioned that any conduct capable of bringing his office or the government into disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions, while expressing optimism that the new appointees would justify the confidence reposed in them.

Following a renewed peace deal with Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Fubara fired Dr Benibo Anabraba whom he appointed SSG shortly after returning to office at the end of emergency rule in the state.

He also relieved Edison Ehie, his long-time ally, as Chief of Staff.

Ehi was the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly when the plot to impeach the governor first occurred in 2023.

He had opposed it and later led a group of four lawmakers to form a factional Assembly, which Fubara worked with until.

He had resigned as a lawmaker after President Bola Tinubu first intervened in the crisis and was later appointed as the Chief of Staff.