Rivers: Will New Commissioners Take Oath Of Office Today?

Rivers: Will New Commissioners Take Oath Of Office Today?

●  Fubara delivers state broadcast, vows to take development to dizzying heights now that the Supreme Court case is over;
● Dedicates his victory to God and the Rivers people

By PHC Telegraph

Will Governor Siminalayi Fubara swear in newly screened Commissioners today?

This is the question most people within and outside Rivers State are asking at the moment.

No doubt, a report that Governor Fubara may not be favourably disposed to swearing in newly screened commissioners who are to form part of the State Executive Council any time soon stirred the questions.

But, there are indeed strong indications that the Governor  who delivered a statewide  broadcast Friday morning may go ahead to perform the ceremony.

Venue of the swearing in ceremony likely to take place today, according to information that is emanating, would be the Executive Council Chamber of the State Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Port Harcourt Telegraph learnt Thursday that the Commissioners whose names were resubmitted to the State House of Assembly for screening would be expected to be seated at the venue before 10.30am this morning.

The revelation is coming in the wake of the Governor’s resolve to focus his attention on governance.

Speaking after the apex court ruled, Fubara said in a statewide broadcast that his government will accelerate the pace of development.

He extended his hands of fellowship to the opposition and other contenders, saying this is the time to build a Rivers State of “our dreams ”

“It is with a great joy and total deference to the Almighty God that I address you after a tortuous legal journey following the governorship election in our State.

“It is with great nostalgia I reflect on your trust and the absolute confidence you bestowed on us on that fateful March 18, 2023 when you gave us your mandate. Even with that overwhelming support, we had to go through litigation to validate your choice and confirmation of your mandate to us.

“We are deeply elated by the verdict of the Supreme Court of our dear nation, which has finally affirmed our victory. I owe this victory, not to my efforts or our ingenuity but to God and to you the good people of Rivers State”, Fubara remarked.

It is not clear who may be behind the spread of the news that Fubara, eventual winner at the Supreme Court, will not formally swear in the nine commissioners screened by the House until the 28th of February.

But that report which quoted an unnamed source believed to be close to the seat of power in the Rivers capital has since gone viral.

Most online news outlets (not the Port Harcourt Telegraph) quoted the source as saying that the Governor would await the outcome of a pending suit before swearing them in.

However, information reaching our news desk suggest that the commissioners may have received notices which indicate that all is now set for the swearing in ceremony.

Each commissioner is allowed the luxury of coming along with two guests, according to the government notice.

Somehow, earlier reports had unwittingly created the impression that the Governor was about to renege on the peace deal, following his victory at the Supreme Court.

The peace deal had forbidden court actions, encouraged all the parties to the Rivers crisis to withdraw all cases, including the move to impeach the Governor.

“Such a stance by Fubara could easily raise issues of integrity”, a well placed source told this publication, “it would equally cast a blot on his credibility as a person and a leader”

“For those opposed to the peace agreement, who are determined to see the peace process collapse, who want a new political order to evolve in the State, Fubara’s refusal to go along with the understanding reached in Abuja would be the perfect icing on the cake.”

Recall that Fubara has insisted all along that no price is too big to pay to ensure that Rivers people live in peace.

Today, if the swearing in ceremony happens inspite of initial reports, Fubara would prove that he is a man who can be trusted to keep his word.

Beyond all this, the Governor who has turned his attention to governance issues thanked the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role and assured Rivers people of his commitment to serve.

“In this regard, what is important to us is the accelerated growth and development of our dear State.

“Now that the litigations are over, we call on the opposition political parties in the State to join hands with our government to build the Rivers State of our dreams.

“I extend the olive branch to my contenders and all others who went through the hog and or who withdrew their cases for the love of the State.

“I believe we are all Rivers people and by virtue of that brotherhood, let us therefore, put aside our differences and bond together to build one indivisible and greater Rivers State that posterity will remember us for.”