CurrentReport Blog Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has pledged to provide a conducive and stress-free working environment for commissioners and permanent secretaries in his administration. The governor made this assurance during a special thanksgiving service held in honor of Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in Abonnema Town, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
In a statement released by Nelson Chukwudi, his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Fubara emphasized his commitment to creating an administration that fosters optimal performance without undue pressure.
“I want to say that this administration that I am leading will stand by you. You don’t need to worry about the BP drugs anymore because I don’t intend to give anyone BP. There is no commissioner here that has BP. Before, you people used to have BP, but now, there is no BP,” Fubara stated.
This statement comes amid rising political tensions between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The friction has extended to Rivers State local government chairmen, some of whom, loyal to Wike, refused to leave office after their tenure expired.
Legislative and Electoral Challenges
Earlier this year, the Rivers State Assembly passed the controversial Local Government Amendment Bill, which empowered lawmakers to extend the tenure of local government officials in cases where elections could not be held before the expiration of their terms. Despite Governor Fubara’s refusal to assent to the bill, the Assembly overrode his veto. However, the bill was later nullified by a court judgment.
Following the ruling, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission organized fresh local government elections. The Action Peoples Party (APP) emerged victorious in 22 of the 23 chairmanship seats, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured one position.
Governor Fubara’s emphasis on teamwork and a healthy working atmosphere is seen as part of his strategy to stabilize the state’s governance amidst ongoing political disputes.
