by Tari Tamuno

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of River State has relieved the state’s Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Wogu, from his appointment.

Amaechi made the announcement in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, adding that Wogu would be replaced by Omunakwe Dickson.

He said Dickson’s name would be sent to the Rivers State House of Assembly for confirmation.

Amaechi made the announcement while swearing in six permanent secretaries, all females, into the state’s Civil Service.

Those sworn-in are Offor Nnesochi, Iragunima C. M., Clara Gogo-Princewill, Amie Nemi-Iwo, Wihioka Comfort and Dr. Justina Jumbo.

The governor said they were appointed on merit, urging them to be fair and just while carrying out their duties.

“A civil servant is supposed to be a non-politician but in the Nigerian context, all Nigerians or nearly all Nigerians are politicians, nearly all and that is because the economy is not productive.

“So, the only productive part of the economy is government and that is because government takes money from oil and everybody wants to be part of the sharing.”

Amaechi urged the permanent secretaries to assist government to improve the state’s economy through hard work.

He warned the new permanent secretaries not to be involved in any corrupt practices.

“We looked at the civil service and there were too few women that were permanent secretaries.

“We felt that we should appoint some women to balance the position and that we have done.”

The governor directed the Chairman of the state’s Civil Service and the Head of Service to put measures in place to promote civil servants who performed well and punish those who did not do well. He said only those deserving promotion should be promoted.

*This post has been updated. Emeka Wogu is not a former minister.