Rivers Governor Fubara Appoints New Chief of Staff, SSG After Dissolving Executive Council
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has made significant changes to his administration by appointing new key officials following the dissolution of the state executive council. The governor named Dagogo Wokoma as the new Secretary to the State Government and Sunny Ewule as the new Chief of Staff, marking a major restructuring of the state's governance framework.
Immediate Appointments and Swearing-In Ceremony
According to an official statement released by Onwuka Nzeshi, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fubara, both appointments take effect immediately. The newly appointed officials were scheduled to be sworn in at 2 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the executive chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
Dagogo Wokoma assumes the position of Secretary to the State Government, replacing Benibo Anabraba, while Sunny Ewule takes over as Chief of Staff, succeeding Edison Ehie. These appointments represent a significant shift in the administrative leadership of the oil-rich state.
Executive Council Dissolution and Political Context
The appointments come just two weeks after Governor Fubara dissolved the entire State Executive Council on February 12, 2026. In that dramatic reshuffle, all commissioners and special advisers were relieved of their appointments with immediate effect. The governor expressed appreciation for the outgoing members' service while wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Political observers have linked these developments to ongoing reconciliation efforts between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The political tensions between the two leaders have affected governance in Rivers State for several months, prompting intervention from national leadership.
Presidential Intervention and Party Realignment
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly brokered reconciliation efforts between Fubara and Wike, with both leaders meeting in Abuja to resolve their differences. This marks the third time President Tinubu has intervened in the political crisis involving key stakeholders in Rivers State.
In a related development, Governor Fubara has officially joined the All Progressives Congress, completing a major political realignment. The APC delegation, led by Rivers APC Chairman Tony Okocha and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, visited the governor at Government House in Port Harcourt for a formal reception ceremony.
During the ceremony, Fubara, previously a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, completed the APC membership form, endorsed required documents, and received his membership card, officially entering the ruling party. This move represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State, which has been at the center of national attention due to prolonged political tensions.
Broader Administrative Developments
Beyond the executive appointments, the Rivers State government has approved the recruitment of 5,000 teachers to strengthen service delivery in the education sector. This decision was made during the second executive council meeting of 2026, presided over by Governor Fubara with Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma-Odu in attendance.
The teaching positions will be distributed with 3,000 teachers deployed to basic and primary schools, while 2,000 will be assigned to post-primary institutions across the state. This initiative aims to enhance educational quality and address staffing needs in Rivers State's public schools.
The combination of executive appointments, political realignment, and educational sector investments represents a comprehensive approach to governance restructuring under Governor Fubara's administration as it navigates complex political dynamics while addressing state development priorities.
