Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has attributed greater efficiency and effectiveness in governance to the creation of a conducive internal work environment for his cabinet members and officers of government.
The governor said this deliberate action ensures that team members can function optimally without the tension, anxiety, and fear that often exacerbate underlying health conditions.
Fubara made these remarks during a special thanksgiving service organized in honor of Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), at St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral, Abonnema Town, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, on Sunday.
Danagogo was celebrating his reappointment as SSG and his chieftaincy installation as Tubofiya III, head of Da Tubofia Group of Houses.
The governor’s comments were contained in a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and shared with newsmen.
Fubara explained that as a good administrator, he does not pressure his team into performance but creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared goals. This, he noted, is crucial for achieving the state’s developmental objectives.
He stated:“He is telling you the story of how he was reappointed. I don’t know why he didn’t add the story that he was also compelled, given ultimatum, to resign.
“It takes a man who believes in something; it takes a man who is honorable and has integrity to stand by you. I want to say that this administration that I am leading will stand by you.
“You don’t need to worry about the BP drugs again because I don’t intend to give anyone BP. There is no Commissioner here that has BP. Before, you people used to have BP, but now, there is no BP.
“There is no Permanent Secretary that was always lying in the hospital and is still lying in hospital now because there is no BP.”
He added: “For the fact that I won’t give you stress, even if I have to correct you, I will correct you with love, understanding that you are human beings.
“And when this is the relationship, you see efficiency and effectiveness, and you see how government is moving forward. That is what we do, and that is the secret of the improved health of my SSG, and the wife is no longer reminding him whether he has taken his drugs.”
The governor praised Danagogo for his conviction, dependability, and integrity, which earned him his reappointment as SSG and his selection by traditional leaders as the head of the Da Tubofia Group of Houses.
The governor remarked: “But today, we are happy to be here to celebrate with you. This is just the beginning, that is the truth. God can bless somebody anytime and in different ways.
“Anybody who identifies with God, there is no way God will let the person down. I am here with our leaders, the real leaders of this State, not the Abuja leaders.”
He urged traditional rulers and local government chairmen to support government initiatives and foster unity, assuring them of his administration’s backing.
The governor announced a donation of ₦50 million to St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral to support the Church’s evangelism efforts.
In her remarks, former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, commended Danagogo for his excellence in public service and urged him to remain loyal and diligent.
Danagogo, while expressing gratitude, described working under Governor Fubara as a life-changing experience in a stress-free environment that has improved his health. He thanked God for his dual honor as SSG and traditional ruler, acknowledging the support of the governor and his community.
The thanksgiving service was attended by prominent figures, including Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo; and former Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, among others.
