Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged newly appointed commissioners in Rivers State to prioritise effective service delivery and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

The governor gave the charge on Wednesday during the swearing-in of the first batch of five commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Fubara said the appointees had already demonstrated their preparedness for the responsibilities of office after successfully undergoing what he described as one of the most rigorous screening exercises conducted earlier in the week by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

According to him, the screening process provided lawmakers the opportunity to clearly outline the duties and expectations attached to the offices the commissioners will occupy.

“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screening exercises shows that those who succeeded are fit and ready to serve our state,” the governor said, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver on their mandates. He added that his administration expects nothing short of excellent performance from the new members of the State Executive Council.

Those sworn in are Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Kenneth Lekue and Amairigha Edward Hart.

The oath of office and oath of allegiance were administered by the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David D. Ihua-Maduenyi.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the governor assigned portfolios to the commissioners. Bellgam was named Commissioner for Special Duties, Nwofor will head the Ministry of Works, Nwagor was assigned the Ministry of Education, Lekue will oversee the Ministry of Finance and Budget, while Hart will serve as Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning.