For the first time since the return of Sim Fubara as governor of Rivers State after the emergency rule, the eight commissioners who were screened and cleared by the Marins Amaewhule house of assembly, who were not affected by the recent exco dissolution which was announced by the governor, attended their first function in the Government House.
It was the swearing-in of a new permanent secretary, Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, by Fubara. It was also Fubara’s first swearing-in event since September 19 when he took back his seat.
The commissioners included Dr. Adaeze Oreh – Health, Joe Johnson –Information & Communication, Chisom Kenneth Gbali – Youth Development, Victor Kii –Agriculture, Elder Charles Amadi – Chieftaincy & Community Affairs, Christopher Green – Commissioner for Sports, Uchenwafor Maximus -Energy and Natural Resources and Dr Roseline Apawari Uranta – Women Affairs.
Although, the governor is yet to announce their formal return as commissioners. But he has also not said that they are not his commissioners. A few days ago, he only announced that those appointees who were affected by the Supreme Court judgement- that is, those who were not screened by the house of assembly- had been sacked.
At the swearing-in, Fubara also took a swipe at the permanent secretaries who supported illegalities that were allegedly perpetrated by the then administrator, Ibokette Ibas, especially in the handling of the state finances.
He told them to get ready to serve their punishment for helping Ibas to mismanage the state’s resources. But he did not say exactly what he would do to them.
The governor praised Ezekiel-Hart for his professionalism and refusal to compromise his integrity despite pressures, noting that his steadfastness and principled stance earned him the new appointment. He pointed out that the appointee’s colleagues could attest to his record of doing the right thing even in difficult circumstances.
He emphasised that civil servants must remain consistent in their service, prioritising truth, fairness, and due process above personal or political interests. He stressed that no directive, regardless of its source, should override established rules and procedures, assuring that his administration would never pressure officers to act outside the law.
Fubara said his government is more focused on tangible results than on rhetoric, adding that all appointments are based strictly on merit, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to service. The Governor explained that Mr. Ezekiel-Hart’s elevation reflected his choice to stand as a true professional, and that his administration expects every official to act rightly so that history will judge them well.
