Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has officially disbanded the board overseeing the State’s Microfinance Agency, effective immediately.
In a statement released on Friday evening in Port Harcourt by the Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, Pastor Jonathan Tobin was named the new acting managing director of the agency.
The announcement declared: “The Governor of Rivers State hereby dissolves the Board of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency and appoints Pastor Jonathan Tobin as the Acting Managing Director with immediate effect.”
It further instructed all former board members to promptly transfer any agency property and assets under their control to the newly appointed Acting Managing Director.
Governor Fubara also assured that a new board will be constituted in due course to steer the agency forward.
In a related development, Governor Fubara administered the oath of office to Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart as the new permanent secretary. He charged Ezekiel-Hart to maintain unwavering professionalism, uphold the core values of the civil service, and reject any form of illegality in executing his duties.
During the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to transparency and ethical governance, emphasizing that the civil service remains the foundation of effective leadership.
Reflecting on previous difficulties experienced during the emergency rule period, Governor Fubara expressed disappointment over some permanent secretaries who neglected their duty to uphold due process, instead engaging in activities that compromised the integrity of the civil service.
He issued a stern warning that such misconduct will not be tolerated and that those responsible will face consequences.
Governor Fubara commended Ezekiel-Hart for his steadfast commitment to professionalism and integrity, highlighting that his refusal to yield to undue pressure was instrumental in earning this significant appointment.