Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the appointment of six new Permanent Secretaries to strengthen the state civil service, with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for July 29, 2026. The announcement comes shortly after Fubara publicly named his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election, signaling his focus on both administrative and political continuity.
New Appointments Announced by Head of Service
Head of Service Inyingi Brown released an official statement on July 29, 2026, naming the six appointees: Freddy Ndigbara, Fortune Akpila, Promise Oguzie, Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Ibiyemiebara Joseph Uzoma, and Mercy Dagogo Iboroma. The statement indicated that the appointments aim to bolster administrative leadership across key ministries and departments.
Brown confirmed that the new Permanent Secretaries are expected to be seated by 12 noon on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, at the State Executive Council Chambers inside Government House, Port Harcourt, where Governor Fubara will formally swear them in. The ceremony is a routine procedure for top civil service appointments in the state.
Fubara's Political Moves Ahead of 2027
In a separate development, Governor Fubara has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 general elections, aligning himself with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) despite his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) roots. He also named Kingsley China as his preferred successor for the Rivers State governorship in 2027, a move that has stirred political discussions within the state.
These appointments and endorsements come amidst ongoing political realignments in Rivers State, which has seen shifting alliances between Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike. The new Permanent Secretaries are expected to play a critical role in implementing the administration's policies and maintaining stability in the civil service.
Significance of the Appointments
The appointment of six new Permanent Secretaries adds to the administrative capacity of Rivers State, which has a civil service workforce of over 50,000 employees. Permanent Secretaries are the highest-ranking career civil servants in each ministry, responsible for policy execution and oversight. The swearing-in ceremony will bring the total number of serving Permanent Secretaries in the state to approximately 25.
Observers note that the timing of the appointments, just months before the 2027 election cycle intensifies, may be aimed at ensuring continuity in government operations regardless of political changes. The new appointees are drawn from various local government areas, reflecting a balance of representation across the state.
