Fubara Takes First Major Administrative Action, Names New Rivers SSG

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken his first major administrative action since returning to office by appointing Hon. Benibo Anabraba as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday, October 13, 2025, by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.

According to the statement, Anabraba is expected to be sworn in at 4:00 p.m. today at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has approved the appointment of Hon. Benibo Anabraba as Secretary to the Rivers State Government,” the statement read.

The development marks the governor’s first major step toward reorganising his administration following his reinstatement to office after months of political turmoil in the state.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, in March 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly amid a protracted political crisis involving the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

During the emergency period, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as Sole Administrator, suspending Fubara’s commissioners, advisers, and agency heads.

Following the lifting of the emergency rule on September 18, the fate of many government appointees remained uncertain. The Rivers State House of Assembly later urged the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner-nominees and the 2025 budget for approval.

PUNCH