Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday swore in Benibo Anabraba as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), charging him to serve with integrity, honour, and humility while avoiding any form of power abuse.
Anabraba’s appointment marks Governor Fubara’s first major move since his reinstatement after President Bola Tinubulifted the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on September 18. A former Minority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anabraba had also served as Commissioner for Housing in the current administration.
He was among those screened by the Assembly faction loyal to the governor, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Fubara described Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine providence.
He said, “So, I use the word ‘congratulations’ because this position you just got can only be God’s. My charge is very simple, God has brought you in at this particular time to be the Secretary to the Government of Rivers State. It’s a real opportunity.
We can count the number of SSGs from the inception of Rivers State, but you can’t count the number of commissioners, they are too many. So, it’s a position of honour. I want you to guard that office with honour, discharge your duty with respect, and protect the interests of Rivers State. When you leave office, I want you to leave with honour, and you can only do so when you discharge your duty responsibly.”
Governor Fubara expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capability, referencing his previous record in public service.
“I have no doubt that you’re going to perform well,” Fubara said. “I know you were a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In fact, you were a principal officer at that time, I think Minority Leader. You were also one of my commissioners, and I knew, within the period we worked together, that you did well. You’re a very dedicated person. So this opportunity is not an opportunity to show power. It’s not an opportunity to say, ‘Because I have a big office, I can do as I please.’ It’s a call to duty.”
He further urged the new SSG to contribute to rebuilding public trust in the state’s leadership, saying, “We’re coming from a very, very bad position. We really need to reassure the people of Rivers State that we mean well for them especially now that peace has returned to the state. So please, by the grace of God, do your work very well to help us succeed in this assignment that God Almighty has given to us.”
Fubara’s reinstatement has been followed by a series of administrative reorganizations as he works to rebuild his team and restore normal governance in Rivers State.
The appointment comes after months of political and legal turmoil that led to the suspension of the governor and his deputy under an emergency rule declared by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The president had cited the prolonged political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as the reason for the drastic intervention.
During the period, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as Sole Administrator, overseeing the state and suspending key political appointees. Since the emergency rule was lifted, Fubara has begun rebuilding his administration starting with the appointment of Anabraba as SSG as part of efforts to stabilize his government and reassure the people of Rivers State.
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