Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that his administration has achieved greater efficiency and effectiveness in governance by creating a conducive internal work environment.
The Governor noted that the deliberate effort enables members of his cabinet and every officer of government to function maximally.
Governor Fubara made this assertion at the Special Thanksgiving Service held in honour of Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), at the St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral in Abonnema Town, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
The Governor emphasized that a toxic workplace filled with tension, anxiety, and fear can heighten underlying health conditions of the workforce, hindering productivity.
He noted that as a good administrator, he relates cordially with his team to achieve shared goals and objectives, saying: “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.”
Governor Fubara also commended Dr. Danagogo, describing him as a man of great conviction, forthright, dependable, and leaves no person in doubt on where he stands on any issue considered as right and just.
The Governor said: “He is telling you the story of how he was re-appointed. I don’t know why he didn’t add the story that he was also compelled, given an ultimatum, to resign.
“It takes a man who believes in something; it takes a man who is honourable 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.”
Governor Fubara stated: “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.”
“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 at any time and in different ways. The truth about it is, that we have every reason to thank God for good or for bad, more especially what you are thanking God for today is God’s favour in our lives. 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. These are the leaders that have control of their areas, and their territories. It’s only one that lost territory that runs away. So, we have come to this kingdom to celebrate our brother, to tell him that we are with him because he also chose to be with us. That is the truth.”
Governor Fubara also said: “You didn’t lobby for it, and because you decided to lead this responsibility, God assigned this family right to you. They know that you will defend them and protect their interest. So, they didn’t make any mistake, and I know you will not disappoint them.”
He charged traditional rulers in the area to continue to support activities of government and foster peace and unity in their domain while also tasking the political leadership of the local government councils, particularly the chairmen, to provide good governance to the people and be sure of his support for them to succeed.
During the event, Governor Fubara donated N50 million to St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral to support the State Government’s efforts to advance the work of evangelism of the Church.
In her remarks, former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, praised Dr. Danagogo as a diligent, quiet, result-oriented public officer who served deservedly as Minister of Sports in her husband’s administration.
Dr. Danagogo, in his testimony, expressed gratitude to God for granting him favour to be re-appointed as SSG by Governor Fubara, and for being installed as the traditional ruler of his community.
He noted that working with Governor Fubara has been a life-changing experience in a non-toxic work environment that has improved his health.
The event was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, politicians, and business leaders.