Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to permanent secretaries who compromised civil service standards during the period of emergency rule, stressing that they will be held accountable for their conduct.
Gatekeepers News reports that the governor gave the caution on Friday during the swearing-in of Austin Ezekiel-Hart as a permanent secretary at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara emphasized that Ezekiel-Hart’s promotion was based strictly on merit, citing his professionalism and dedication in the state civil service.
“At no time did I instruct any permanent secretary to sidestep due process,” the governor said. “This appointment is purely on merit, and I urge you to uphold the values and principles that earned you this elevation.”
He further challenged Ezekiel-Hart to resist undue pressure, assuring that his administration would back him if he acted in line with the rules.
“If ever you are pressured to act against civil service principles, speak out with proof. My government will be defined more by actions than rhetoric,” Fubara declared.
The event was attended by the State Head of Service, permanent secretaries, and eight commissioners who were retained after the dissolution of the State Executive Council, following the Supreme Court judgment that affected several appointees.
