Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to public officials, accusing some Permanent Secretaries of undermining due process and professionalism during the recent emergency governance period in the state.
Fubara, who spoke on Friday during the swearing-in of Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart as Permanent Secretary at the Executive Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, vowed that those who compromised official procedures would face the consequences of their actions.
“Some Permanent Secretaries during the period of emergency abandoned the principles of due process and professionalism,” Governor Fubara said. “Such conduct is unacceptable and will not be swept under the carpet. Those responsible will, in due time, face the consequences.”
The governor praised the newly appointed Mr. Ezekiel-Hart for maintaining high ethical standards and resisting pressure to engage in acts that violated civil service regulations.
He noted that Ezekiel-Hart’s appointment was based purely on merit and integrity, adding that his administration would not tolerate any breach of official ethics.
“Mr. Ezekiel-Hart has proven himself to be a principled professional,” Fubara stated. “His colleagues can attest that he consistently chose the right path, even when it was the more difficult one.”
Fubara reaffirmed that the Rivers State Civil Service remains the foundation of effective governance and that political influence or personal interest would never be allowed to override the law.
“No one in this government will compel any officer to break the law,” he said. “This administration stands for due process, and we will back every officer who upholds it.”
He further stressed that appointments under his leadership would continue to be guided by merit, discipline, and performance, not political loyalty or favoritism.
“Our government is focused on results, not noise. Every official must contribute meaningfully to good governance,” he added.
Governor Fubara’s warning comes amid growing calls for transparency and reform within the state’s public service following months of administrative crisis during the emergency period.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the civil service, and family members of the new appointee.
