PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — In a move that signaled a departure from the traditional administrative hierarchy of the Government House, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday, February 27, 2026, issued a public and uncompromising warning to his newly appointed Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule.
During a swear-in ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers, Fubara made it clear that the role is strictly for a “personal aide” and not a platform for independent political maneuvering or unsanctioned power-broking.
No More “Nocturnal Meetings”
The Governor’s remarks were uncharacteristically blunt, highlighting a deep-seated distrust of the traditional “Chief of Staff” model that has often acted as a shadow governor in Rivers State.
- The Chain of Command: “This position, you’re my personal aide, and it’s not a position for you to start holding meetings and calling people without my permission,” Fubara stated.
- The Ultimatum: He specifically warned against the “nocturnal (night) meetings” that have historically defined the state’s fractured political landscape. “If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings, I’ll sack you, and I’m very serious,” he added.
A Presidency in the Shadows?
The Governor’s warning comes at a time when the concept of a “Chief of Staff” is under national scrutiny. From the “shadow regency” allegations by Mike Arnold regarding Nuhu Ribadu’s influence in Abuja, to the “selective justice” claims by Buba Galadima in the National Assembly, the Nigerian public is increasingly wary of unelected officials wielding executive power.
Fubara’s move to “clip the wings” of his own top aide before he even assumes office is seen as a pre-emptive strike against the kind of internal subversion that has plagued his administration since the fallout with Nyesom Wike.
The National Disconnect
As Governor Fubara enforces a “one-man show” in Port Harcourt, the rest of the federation is grappling with a leadership vacuum.
- The North-East: Governor Bala Mohammed is pleading for federal help against 10,000 armed bandits in Alkaleri.
- The South-East: Senator Tony Nwoye is rebelling against Mark Okoye over a “wasteful” ₦140 billion budget while critical roads remain abandoned.
- The Judiciary: Tracy Ohiri is exposing the “God is busy” arrogance of federal ministers in open court.
In this climate of “every governor for himself,” Fubara’s message to Sunny Ewule is a microcosm of the current Nigerian political state: a desperate attempt to maintain absolute control in an environment where trust has completely evaporated.
