Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in five new Special Advisers, charging them to prioritize teamwork, discipline, and immediate contributions to ensure smooth and efficient governance. The ceremony, held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt, marks an effort to reinforce the administration's capacity as it enters the new year with a focus on delivering people-centered policies.
The newly appointed and sworn-in advisers are Barrister Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Professor Peter Medee, Barrister Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Honourable Victor Ekaro, and Dr. Darlington Orji. Several of them bring prior experience from the Fubara administration: Tasie-Amadi previously served as Commissioner for Works, Medee as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, and Frank Fubara as Commissioner for Finance. Ekaro had served as Special Adviser on Security under former Governor Nyesom Wike, while Orji was a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Governor Fubara emphasized that the appointments were strategic, aimed at bolstering internal coordination and keeping the machinery of government running effectively. "What we are doing this afternoon is to bring in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state," he stated during the oath-taking. He highlighted that the appointees are familiar faces who understand the administration's philosophy, making integration seamless and goal achievement straightforward.
Stressing the seriousness of their roles, Fubara warned against complacency and described the positions as a call to hard work rather than pleasure. "My charge is simple because you already know what we have come to do. This is not for pleasure; it is work," he said, adding that high expectations from the people demand tangible results. He framed the appointments as a rare opportunity to fulfill the government's social contract with Rivers citizens—delivering dividends of democracy through dedicated service. "It is a rare opportunity. Do not let us down. Our social contract with the people of Rivers State is to work, and that is exactly what we have come to do."
The governor reaffirmed his administration's resilience and commitment to purposeful leadership amid challenges, expressing confidence that the new advisers would collaborate effectively to implement policies and recover any lost momentum. Effective governance, he noted, relies on collective effort, shared responsibility, and unwavering discipline.
This development follows a minor cabinet reshuffle and comes as the state prepares for the 2026 fiscal year. Later on the same day, the Rivers State Executive Council approved a proposed ₦1.8 trillion budget for 2026, with newly sworn-in advisers like Professor Peter Medee (on Economic Matters and Social Development) and Barrister Emmanuel Frank Fubara (on Finance) briefing journalists on the proposal's focus on completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones in key sectors.
The appointments were initially announced on January 1, 2026, with the swearing-in scheduled for noon the following day, allowing the advisers to hit the ground running in the new year. Stakeholders view the move as a signal of stability and renewed vigor in Fubara's governance approach, particularly after navigating political tensions in previous years.
By reintegrating experienced hands, the administration aims to enhance policy execution in areas such as infrastructure, economic planning, finance, and local governance. The governor's direct charge underscores a performance-driven ethos, aligning with broader calls for accountability and efficient public service in Nigeria's oil-rich Rivers State.
As 2026 unfolds, these advisers are expected to play pivotal roles in translating campaign promises into actionable outcomes, from urban development in Port Harcourt to rural interventions across local government areas. The swearing-in ceremony sets a proactive tone for the year, reinforcing Fubara's narrative of resilient, people-focused leadership.
Public reactions have been largely positive among supporters, who see the selections as merit-based and continuity-oriented. Political observers note that bringing back former commissioners as advisers could streamline decision-making and leverage institutional knowledge for faster impact.
Overall, this administrative reinforcement positions the Fubara government to address pressing needs like infrastructure rehabilitation, healthcare upgrades, education improvements, and economic diversification, fulfilling its mandate amid Nigeria's complex federal dynamics.
The event also reflects the governor's emphasis on building a cohesive team capable of navigating both routine administrative tasks and emerging challenges. With Rivers State being a key economic hub, efficient governance translates directly into improved service delivery for residents, from security enhancements to social welfare programs.
Moving forward, the performance of these advisers will be closely watched as indicators of the administration's ability to maintain momentum and deliver on its developmental agenda. By starting the year with these appointments, Governor Fubara signals a clear intent to prioritize execution over rhetoric, fostering an environment where governance serves the collective interest of the people.
This step further consolidates the executive arm's structure, ensuring that expertise is readily available for advisory input on critical decisions. As the state advances into 2026, the contributions of these officials are anticipated to bolster transparency, accountability, and progress across various sectors.
