Man who stood firm during emergency rule receives plaudits from Bonny kinsmen for bagging appointment
A man who stood firm during the troubling days of emergency rule in Rivers State has been hailed by his Bonny kinsmen for bagging appointment from Gov Sim Fubara.
His kinsmen from the Ezekiel-Hart family issued a statement toasting him as a proud son of the Island.
Austin Ezekiel-Hart just bagged appointment as permanent secretary posted to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Idasonye Ezekiel-Hart, an engineer and head of the Ezekiel-Hart chieftaincy house of the Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom, said in a statement Monday, October 6, 2025, that Gov Fubara did well to spot professionalism and reward it.
The head of the family said they deeply appreciated the governor for recognizing and rewarding Austin’s exemplary integrity and dedication.
“This appointment reaffirms the values of integrity, diligence, and adherence to ethics that the Ezekiel-Hart Family holds dear. Austin’s principled stand serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with moral challenges, proving that individuals committed to positive change can transform society for the better.
“The family applauds Governor Fubara’s leadership and commitment to fostering a civil service rooted in ethics, hard work, and accountability—values that once defined its legacy and continues to inspire progress.
“Once again, we thank His Excellency for this well-deserved recognition of our son, whose actions reflect the enduring principles of our great family and contribute to a just and saner society.”
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Garden City Digest gathered that Austin Ezekiel-Hart, during the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State faced significant pressure to compromise civil service due process and engage in actions that flouted established rules and ethical standards.
It was gathered that many permanent secretaries aided or supported illegalities such as undermining governance procedures and prioritizing political directives over legality.
Ezekiel-Hart was said to have refused to yield. A source said he stood firmly by his professional integrity, defending his superior (Gov Fubara) in a lawful and principled manner, even as the emergency administration sought to override standard protocols.
“This defiance was not overt rebellion but a steadfast commitment to truth, fairness, and civil service values, resisting any directive that would violate the law, regardless of its source.”
Gov Fubara was said to have spotted this and explicitly commended this during Ezekiel-Hart’s swearing-in on October 3, 2025, stating it was the reason for his merit-based elevation to Permanent Secretary, Government House, emphasizing.
Fubara said; “You chose to be a professional amid the chaos. This act of upholding legality served as a counter to the broader instability, where court challenges (at least five cases) contested the Sole Administrator’s powers and actions, including injunctions preventing his full resumption.”
