Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced fresh appointments into key positions in his administration, a development many political observers describe as a significant step in the ongoing political realignment within the state.
In a Special Government Announcement issued on Thursday, Governor Fubara appointed Dr. Dagogo S.A. Wokoma as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Barrister Sunny Ewule as Chief of Staff. The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, confirmed that the appointments take immediate effect.
According to the announcement, the swearing-in ceremony for the new appointees is scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt.
Dr. Wokoma replaces Mr. Benibo Anabraba, while Barrister Ewule takes over from Edison Ehie as Chief of Staff. The government did not provide any official explanation for the removal of the former office holders, fueling speculation about the political undertones surrounding the reshuffle.
The latest changes come amid renewed reconciliation efforts between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Both leaders have been at the center of a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State that created sharp divisions within the political structure of the state.
The crisis escalated months ago, leading to impeachment threats against Governor Fubara. However, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, peace talks were initiated between the opposing factions. The reconciliation process eventually resulted in a temporary truce.
Subsequently, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, formally withdrew impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, easing political tensions in the state.
Governor Fubara’s recent appointments are also coming on the heels of a broader restructuring within his administration. Just days earlier, he dissolved a cabinet made up of eight commissioners and relieved all Special Advisers of their duties, signaling a deliberate effort to reorganize his government.
While the governor has not directly linked the new appointments to the reconciliation process, analysts believe the inclusion of figures perceived to be aligned with certain political interests may be part of a strategic move to stabilize governance and consolidate peace within Rivers State’s political landscape.
