Fubara swears in five commissioners, two special advisers

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has sworn in five new commissioners into the state executive council.

The commissioners were screened and confirmed by the Victor Jumbo-led state house of assembly on Tuesday.

The newly sworn in commissioners are Ilamu Abua, Roland Obed-Whyte, Austin Nadozie, Samuel Eyiba, and Samuel Anya.

The governor also swore in Forgive Amachree and Achor Nna as special advisers.

Speaking on Wednesday at the event, Fubara asked new cabinet members to work towards achieving the objectives of his administration.

The governor also implored new appointees to prioritise making a positive impact, adding that he expects them to bring innovative ideas to the state executive council.

“You are joining us to work towards meeting the expectations of Rivers people irrespective of the distractions,” he said.

“Governance is about the provision of quality and people-oriented services. It is about improving the people’s quality of life.

“This administration remains focused and deeply determined to deliver on its responsibility.

“As a government, we are poised to justify the support we are receiving from our people.”

In May, some commissioners resigned from the governor’s cabinet.

The commissioners are loyalists of Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Those who resigned are Gift Worlu, commissioner for housing; Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, commissioner for social welfare and rehabilitation; Jacobson Nbina, commissioner for transport; and Austen Ben-Chioma, commissioner of environment.

Since 2023, Fubara and Wike have been at loggerheads over control of the political structure of the state.

The rift has led to the polarisation of the Rivers house of assembly.