Fubara Swears In Eight Newly-Screened Commissioners

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in the eight commissioner nominees that were screened by the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.

Gatekeepers News reports that Fubara urged them to prioritize keeping accurate records of their dealings in their various ministries.

The Governor emphasized the importance of a culture of documentation and recordkeeping especially in the civil service as they provide a useful history of events, decisions, and actions, including indices of productivity.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government on Tuesday night, hours after the State Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo screened and confirmed all eight nominees by Governor Fubara.

The Governor expressed his disappointment that some commissioners who had left the administration, neglected the culture of proper documentation because they had no record of activities in the ministries they served in.

He said “I know what I am saying. Some of them who left here as commissioners, there are no records in their ministries. We’ve had a few meetings with people. We were looking for records which we could not find, but that is for them and their gods, I am not bothered about that.”

“But, you that are coming in now, please, do this work as seasoned administrators. Work with your Permanent Secretaries, the things that you don’t know, ask questions from them, they will tell you, they will teach you too. It doesn’t reduce you as not being the head. But it helps you to succeed as a good administrator.”

Fubara further urged them to emulate his work culture and pay attention to details, adding that it should evident in the records they keep.

He emphasized that discipline is a core value in his administration, stating it is a work culture he cultivated while growing through the ranks in the civil service, and he expects it to be the hallmark of anybody serving in his government.

Fubara said, “Let me say this, this government is a government that is birthed by high-level discipline.”

“I don’t know about other people that are working with me, but as a person, from the time that I started working as civil servant, from the time I worked in the Office of the Accountant General with my boss, we didn’t play with keeping good records.”

“I can boldly stand here to say that whatever that transpired, the records are there right from the time we worked from 2007 to date. They are there for anybody to go and see.”

“Likewise, what happened from the time of the immediate past administration. I carefully kept my records clean. The records are there.”

“So, I want you to understand that, while I am sitting here to pilot the affairs of this state, as a matter of fact, the records I am keeping are even more excellent because I have a day-to-day report of what I am doing.”

“So, 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.”

The Governor reminded them that their oath of service and the content was sufficient charge to guide their conduct while they serve the State.

He encouraged them to appreciate the fact that their appointment is a divine opportunity, so they should know that they owe God the responsibility to deliver to the people of River State.

According to him, “The oath you took is the charge. I am not asking you to be obedient to me. I am not asking you to do my bidding. But I am requesting from everyone of you here to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the dignity of our dear state.”

“Your position as a Commissioner today is not just for you to answer to me. It is to work for the interest of our state.
“But I know that with what I have heard, with the few of you that I have related with, I know that you are men of integrity.”

“You are not going to bring shame to our dear state, you are not going to bring shame to your families, you are not going to bring shame to your local governments. You will stand tall, no matter the situation.”

Lastly, he said he believes that as they are coming on board, they will add impetus to what has been done by his administration and urges them to ensure that greater success is achieved while they act in the interest of the state.