Wike inaugurates 23 commissioners, 15 advisers, urges service, selflessness

Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday swore in 13 new commissioners and 15 special advisers, charging them to always place the interest of Rivers State above all other considerations.

“Work for the interest of Rivers State. This is a rare privilege to serve. Everything must not be money. As it has pleased God, you have been given the opportunity to assist in the development of Rivers State,” he urged

Wike said with the inauguration of the State Executive Council (SEC), the implementation of the 2020 budget had begun in earnest.

The governor cautioned the appointees against gravitating towards the 2023 governorship poll.

He warned: “If you know you are looking for money for 2023, resign now. I will not hesitate to remove you.

“If I catch any commissioner or special adviser holding meetings on who will be governor in 2023, there will be sanctions.

Wike advised the new cabinet members to be loyal and committed to the service of the state.

“Loyalty is key. The loyalty should not be in half measure. Your loyalty must be 100 per cent. You must be loyal and work for the state. All your actions must be targeted at the development of Rivers State,” he reminded the beneficiaries.

The governor said the new set of officials was sworn in after successfully undergoing background checks on cultism.

“If we find out eventually that any of you is involved in the sponsorship of cult groups, that person will be shown the way out of government,” he stated.

Wike, who did not name the offices of the commissioners, said those who would head infrastructure, Works, Health, Agriculture, Urban Development and Agriculture Ministries must be up and doing, as no excuses would be entertained by his administration.

He implored the officials to work with their respective permanent secretaries to deliver on the agenda of the state government.

“You must work with your permanent secretaries to deliver on the ideals of this administration. You must work as a team to move the state forward,” Wike reiterated.

The governor hinted that he would soon reshuffle the permanent secretaries and also appoint new ones to drive the entire development process, adding that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) would be implemented in the state to shore up internally generated revenue (IGR).