Fubara Swears in New Commissioners, Enjoins Them to Defend Interests of Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday, swore in new commissioners and urged them to defend the interest of the state and the right things always.

Fubara told the commissioners to cultivate the culture of keeping accurate records of their dealings in their various ministries of posting. He said such culture was essential for the effective functioning of any organised system, particularly the civil service because they would provide useful history of events, decisions and actions, including indices of productivity.

The eight new commissioners were Charles Bekee, Mr Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Dr Peter Medee, Mr Elloka Amadi, Mr Basoene  Benibo, Mr Tambari Gbara, and Dr Ovy Chukwuma.

The governor said it was regrettable that some commissioners, who had left the administration, ignored the culture of proper documentation because they had no record of activities in the ministries where they served.

He stated, “I know what I am saying. Some of them who left here as commissioners, there are no records in their ministries. We have 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 enjoined them to emulate his work culture and pay attention to details, adding that it should reflect in the nature of records they keep.