Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, swore in eight new commissioners late Tuesday night at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
He urged them to keep accurate records of their work in their various ministries.
The new commissioners are:
– Hon. Prince Charles Bekee
– Barrister Collins Onunwo
– Hon. Prince Solomon Abel Eke
– Dr. Peter Medee
– Hon. Elloka Tasie Amadi
– Hon. Basoene Joshua Benibo
– Mr. Tambari Sydney Gbara
– Dr. Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma
These appointments followed the mass resignations of some commissioners loyal to the governor’s former political ally, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Governor Fubara stressed the importance of record-keeping for the effective functioning of the civil service, stating, “It is regrettable how some commissioners, who had left my cabinet, ignored the culture of proper documentation because they had no record of activities in the ministries where they served.”
He urged the new commissioners to work closely with their Permanent Secretaries and to ask questions when needed.
“Do this work as seasoned administrators. Work with your Permanent Secretaries. The things that you don’t know, ask questions from them. It doesn’t reduce you as not being the head, but it helps you to succeed as a good administrator,” Fubara said.
The governor emphasized the importance of discipline in his administration, a trait he developed during his time in the civil service.
He said, “This government is a government that is birthed by high-level discipline. From the time I started working as a civil servant, from the time I worked in the Office of the Accountant General, we didn’t play with keeping good records. The records are there for anybody to go and see.”
Fubara assured that he keeps detailed records of all actions and decisions, and encouraged the new commissioners to do the same.
“I have a day-to-day report of what I am doing. I am not bothered or afraid. Call me any day, call me anytime, I will stand and defend every action, every decision that we have taken. So, I want you to stand on that premise, knowing fully well that whatever you are doing, in case you are called upon tomorrow to give account, you can do so confidently. Keep your records straight,” he stated.
