In a surprising move, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled his new Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, who also happens to be the leader of his loyalists in the State House of Assembly. The appointment, announced late Sunday night by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, caught many by surprise.
Ehie’s ascent to the position signals a strategic choice by Governor Fubara, aligning with a key figure in the State Assembly. The move comes as part of a broader reshuffle that includes the appointment of five Special Advisers, adding a dynamic layer to the state’s political landscape.
Among the newly appointed Special Advisers are notable figures, such as Darlington Oji, who resigned from the Chief of Staff position to the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area amid political turmoil in Rivers State. Solomon Abel-Eke, the immediate past Chairman of Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area, and Prince Ohia, the former Commissioner for Youths Development, also join the advisory team.
The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Governor Fubara, took place at the State Executive Council, drawing the attendance of cabinet members, including those re-appointed last week. In a strategic move, Governor Fubara directed the reassignment of the portfolios for the returning commissioners, ensuring that those present at the swearing-in ceremony are prioritized.
Addressing the cabinet members, Governor Fubara laid out expectations for the reappointed Commissioners, urging them to contribute positively to his administration. He emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy that their children would be proud of, challenging them to make meaningful contributions to the state’s progress.
Despite the overall positive tone, the absence of former Commissioner for Special Projects, Emeka Woke, during the swearing-in ceremony did not go unnoticed. Woke, who also served as the Chief of Staff during Nyesom Wike’s eight-year tenure as governor, was the sole absentee among the reappointed commissioners.
In his commitment to the administration’s vision, the newly appointed Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, pledged to work tirelessly for the actualization of Governor Fubara’s goals. The reshuffling and strategic appointments hint at Governor Fubara’s efforts to fortify his team for the challenges ahead.
