TELL Magazine

Rivers State civil servants wildly cheered the new governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, as he went round the Secretariat complex in Port Harcourt on Thursday, two days after he was sworn in.

Everywhere the governor turned, the workers applauded and danced for him to express their appreciation of him and hopes that he would improve on their welfare.

The new governor, who was led around the complex by the new Head of Service, George Nwaeke, later promised the workers that he would give priority attention to the welfare of civil servants in the state.

He said the visit was to make on-the-spot assessment of the state of the facilities at the Secretariat and to address the challenges with the intent of improving the productivity of workers.

The governor pointed out that the major challenges in the Secretariat include lack of functional utilities particularly the supply of water and security.

He noted that the state government had previously spent much money on water supply in the Secretariat, but there was no justification of the funds that were expended and called for investigation into how the funds were utilized.

The governor charged the Civil Servants to show commitment and dedication to their duties, as indolence and nonchalant attitudes would not be condoned.

Fubara had earlier held an inaugural meeting with the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt with a charge to reorganize the state Civil Service for greater efficiency.

Briefing the press shortly after the meeting, the Head of Service, Dr George Nweke said the meeting provided an avenue for the Permanent Secretaries to intimate the governor on how to improve the civil service.

The Head of Service said the Permanent Secretaries assured the governor of their commitment to strengthening the state workforce through the effective mobilisation of workers. They applauded the governor for his charge, renewed hope and consideration for the welfare of Civil Servants in the state.