Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that his cabinet will be built on capacity, merit and track record of performance, saying nobody will be appointed on the platform of mere patronage.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, four Commissioners and a Special Adviser on Friday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said all those who will serve in his government will have the requisite knowledge to improve the state.
Those sworn in by the Governor include : Mr. Kenneth Kobani, Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Emeka Woke, Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Emma Okah, Commissioner for Housing, Mr Emmanuel Aguma, Attorney-General of the state, Mrs Onimim Jack, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol, Commissioner for Finance and Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor.
He urged the new appointees to get down to work and ensure that they deliver on programmes contained in the administration’s blueprint.
Wike noted that all appointments so far made by him were targeted at adding value to a state that has faced series of development challenges in the recent past.
He particularly charged the Attorney General of the State, Chinwe Aguma to ensure that there is effective justice delivery in the state. He said on no account should the courts be closed in the state as was the case with the previous administration.
The governor directed the new Finance Commissioner, Dr Fred Kpakol to take proactive measures to ensure judicious application of state finances.
Wike urged the Chief of Staff, Engr. Emeka Woke to operate an open door policy which will make the Government House accessible to all Rivers people, irrespective of political affiliation.
He said: “My administration will be made up of people with capacity to deliver on our campaign promises. I will never make appointments based on patronage.
“There is so much work to do and only persons with capacity to add value will be appointed. For those appointed, you must all strive to develop Rivers State at all times “.
The ceremony was attended by leaders of the state from the 23 local government areas.
