In response to recent claims circulating in the media, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied any involvement in the alleged sacking of the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, and his Chief of Staff, Hon. Chidi Amadi. Additionally, the governor has dismissed reports of the suspension of the Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas.
There were speculations of further upheaval in the administration, including the dismissal of the Governor’s Chief Security Officer, amid the turbulence that ensued at the State House of Assembly during attempts to impeach the governor. The crisis was purportedly linked to Fubara’s efforts to assert his authority over the state government.
Of note, Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Chidi Amadi, shares a historical association with former governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, hailing from the same Obio/Akpor LGA. Hon. Amadi had been appointed during the tenure of Wike. Similarly, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tamyy Danagogo, had served in the same capacity under Wike’s leadership.
Responding to these claims, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Johnson, issued a statement on Tuesday morning categorically refuting the reports. He emphasized that the allegations were baseless and lacked any foundation in reality.
Johnson went on to characterize Governor Fubara as a ‘technocrat with a strong civil service background‘ and a compassionate leader who adheres to established protocols and principles, acting with reverence for ethical conduct and the principles of governance.
The statement titled ‘Unfounded Reports’ states,
“There had been unfounded reports making the rounds on various media platforms about His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, sacking certain categories of his aides and local council chairmen.
“This is to clarify that His Excellency has not given me such directive as the official spokesman of the state government as of today, Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
“Our dear governor is a technocrat, with a robust civil service background, kind-hearted and a very humane person who does things according to laid down rules and with the fear of God.
“We therefore ask Rivers people and the general public to jettison such unconfirmed reports as the public will be properly informed of who may have been removed by His Excellency at the appropriate time.
“It is pertinent to note that as the Commissioner for Information and Communication, I shall keep the public updated on events in due course.”
