Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced new key appointments in his administration, days after dissolving his cabinet amid ongoing political tensions in the state.
The governor named Barrister Sunny Ewule as his new Chief of Staff and Dr. Dagogo S.A. Wokoma as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Both officials were sworn in on Thursday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The appointments are seen as part of efforts to stabilise the government following recent political disagreements between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The crisis had created uncertainty within the state’s executive and legislative arms.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, the appointments took immediate effect. The governor also expressed appreciation to former members of the State Executive Council for their service and wished them well in their future careers.
Barrister Sunny Ewule, a lawyer from Emohua Local Government Area and a known loyalist of the governor, replaces Edison Ehie as Chief of Staff. Ehie’s short time in office had sparked speculation that his exit could be linked to the political settlement reached between Fubara and Wike’s allies.
Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, the new SSG, is an academic with a background in mathematics and statistics. His appointment is expected to strengthen administrative coordination within the state government.
The changes come shortly after President Bola Tinubu intervened in the political crisis in Rivers State. For several months, the state had been experiencing tension between the governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, most of whom are loyal to Wike.
In January, the lawmakers revived impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The move heightened political uncertainty and raised concerns about governance in the oil-rich state.
However, following a meeting convened by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on February 9, involving Fubara and Wike, both sides agreed to ease tensions. Days later, the impeachment process was suspended, paving the way for a temporary peace deal and a restructuring of the state executive council.
Observers say the new appointments may signal a fresh phase in the political truce, as Governor Fubara works to consolidate his administration while maintaining stability in Rivers State.
