Chief of Staff

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday swore in Dagogo Wokoma as Secretary to the State Government and Sunny Ewule as Chief of Staff, charging them not to politicise their offices.

News reports that the oath of office was administered just hours after the governor announced their nominations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fubara emphasised that the positions of SSG and Chief of Staff are strictly administrative and service-driven.

He advised the new Chief of Staff against convening unauthorised meetings or engaging in external political activities without his approval.

According to the governor, the role is primarily to serve as his personal aide and support the administration’s objectives.

Fubara described the appointments as a call to duty rather than political patronage, noting that both officials are expected to strengthen governance in the state.

The governor urged the new SSG, a mathematics lecturer, to deploy his academic background to ensure diligence, objectivity and proper representation of the government in official matters.

He reiterated that his administration remains committed to sustaining ongoing projects and advancing inherited programmes.

Fubara added that the overarching goal of his government is to guarantee peace, progress and prosperity in the state.

The governor warned that any action capable of bringing the government into “disrepute” would not be tolerated.

He assured that the activities of the new appointees would be closely monitored to ensure alignment with the administration’s agenda.

Fubara also expressed confidence in his selections, describing the appointments as well-considered decisions aimed at supporting effective governance.

Addressing permanent secretaries present at the event, the governor directed those who have reached retirement age but remain in office to commence preparation of their handover notes.

He further called for greater cooperation across the civil service, stressing that the remainder of his tenure must be devoted to productivity and collective success.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended Nigerians in the United States of America for their dedication to the country’s growth and development.

‎The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, while speaking at a joint virtual meeting organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigeria Centre in Washington, urged the Diaspora Community to consistently draw attention to national issues, especially recent developments in the country.

He noted that the country is undeniably experiencing serious violence in some parts of the country, but what is needed now is not discordant tunes but concerted, focused, and driven efforts to stem the tide.

‎Gbajabiamila emphasised that cooperation, not blame, will be key to resolving the crisis.

He recalled how Americans resolved the post 9/11 crisis, urging Nigerians to unite against insurgency, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

‎Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, noted that claims of “genocide” were misleading, stressing that the challenges were rooted in regional conflicts.

‎He added that ‘misdiagnosing’ the issue would inevitably lead to ineffective solutions.

‎Tuggar highlighted contributing factors, such as the collapse of Libya under Gaddafi, the failure of the EU–Sahel strategy, and past restrictions on the sale of arms to Nigeria.

He stressed that Tinubu’s administration is committed to realising the 4D Agenda of Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM and facilitator of the virtual conference, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said this cooperation was essential because conversations always foster deeper understanding.

‎Dabiri-Erewa, while appreciating the participants, concluded that all discussions and recommendations would be compiled and a communiqué would be submitted to the President through the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

‎Gbenga Ogunjimi, from the Nigerian Centre in Washington, who moderated the event, stressed that the Nigerian Diaspora represents the nation’s global communities, and therefore, Diplomacy must go beyond a government-to-government interface.

He emphasised the key role Nigerians in the US could play, particularly in recent developments between both countries.

‎Representatives of key Diaspora Groups urged stronger collaboration between the global Nigerian community and the government to join hands in finding lasting solutions to the challenges faced by Nigeria.

They pledged their commitment to support whenever they are called upon.

‎Stakeholders at the meeting called for the forum’s continuity, urged clear identification of the issues at hand, and recommended strategic, Nigeria-focused lobbying mechanisms.

About 15 Diaspora groups, represented by their leadership, participated in the forum across the US.

By our Correspondent

United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has unveiled his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, a longtime GOP operative, as his White House Chief of Staff

Wiles was Trump’s campaign manager and has been widely credited for running what was Trump’s most disciplined and well-executed campaign.

Trump had given a special thanks to Wiles for her prominent role in the campaign during his victory celebration on Wednesday.

He described Wiles as tough, smart, innovative and said she is universally admired and respected.

“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns.

“It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud,” Trump said.

(Global News Network)

By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA FCT – As the tenure of the Patrick Obaseki-led state government in Edo State gradually winds up, the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has warned the Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to guard against looting of government properties by political appointees.

The Deputy Governor said that they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets missing under their watch.

Shaibu in a statement he personally signed and released on his verified X account on Friday, emphasised that the Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides (Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers/Assistants) are government appointees who are also leaving on November 11.

The statement reads in full:

“As our administration ends in a few weeks, I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees, as they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets missing under their watch.”

“The Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides (Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers/Assistants) are government appointees who are also leaving on November 11.”

“So, the failure of Permanent Secretaries and heads of these MDAs to act means they will be held responsible for giving an account of their inventories. Removing fixed items and government properties is a crime and unacceptable.”

“Permanent Secretaries and heads of MDAs should, therefore, guard against such criminality or face consequences. All political appointees must equally desist from such actions, which may land them in trouble.”

Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu
Deputy Governor, Edo State
4th October, 2024