Fubara Swears In Benibo Anabraba as Rivers SSG, urging him to serve with honour and avoid abuse of power as the state rebuilds after emergency rule

The Fubara Swears In Benibo Anabraba ceremony on Monday marked the Rivers State governor’s first major appointment since his reinstatement to office.

Also read: Fubara Meets Tinubu after Suspension Ends in Rivers

Governor Siminalayi Fubara charged the newly sworn-in Secretary to the State Government, Benibo Anabraba, to serve with dignity, fairness, and respect for public trust.

The event, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, followed the lifting of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on 18 September, which had temporarily suspended Fubara and his administration.

The governor described Anabraba’s appointment as “an act of divine favour” and urged him to avoid abusing power.

Fubara said, “This position can only be God’s doing. You must guard it with honour, discharge your duties responsibly, and protect the interests of Rivers State. When you leave office, leave with your reputation intact.”

He reminded the new SSG that the position was one of exceptional trust and responsibility. “It’s not an opportunity to show power or do as you please,” he cautioned.

“We are coming from a very difficult position. This is the time to reassure Rivers people that we mean well, especially now that peace has returned to our state.”

Anabraba, a former Minority Leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, previously served as Commissioner for Housing in Fubara’s administration.

His appointment, according to the governor, reflects both experience and loyalty to the state’s developmental goals.

Fubara praised Anabraba’s past performance, noting his “dedication and track record of excellence” during his tenure as commissioner. The governor also urged him to help rebuild public confidence and restore administrative stability following months of political turbulence.

The appointment follows months of uncertainty after the emergency rule that saw retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas govern the state as Sole Administrator.

Upon assumption of office, Ibas had suspended Fubara’s commissioners and aides, citing the need to restore order amid the political crisis involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

With the emergency rule lifted and governance restored, Fubara has begun reconstituting his cabinet to consolidate his administration’s renewed mandate.

Also read: Nyesom Wike Forgives Rivers Governor Fubara

Observers believe Anabraba’s appointment signals a return to normalcy in Rivers State’s political and administrative landscape.