RIVERS State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved his cabinet, relieving all commissioners and other political appointees of their duties with immediate effect, in what observers describe as one of the most sweeping shake-ups since he assumed office.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday evening in Port Harcourt by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi obtained by News Point Nigeria, who confirmed that the move followed the recent Supreme Court judgment that effectively reshaped the political landscape of the state.
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Earlier in the day, Governor Fubara held a valedictory session with his commissioners at the Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
In an emotional farewell, he thanked the outgoing officials for their “unwavering commitment and contributions” to the growth and development of Rivers State over the last two years.
“Your services have been invaluable. On behalf of the good people of Rivers State, I extend profound gratitude for your dedication,” the governor said.
The governor explained that the decision to dissolve his cabinet was directly tied to the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, which has had ripple effects on the state’s political administration.
The statement read: “Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.”
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Governor Fubara also used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation.
He assured Rivers people that his administration remains committed to serving with “renewed vigour” and to pursuing policies that will strengthen peace, progress, and sustainable development.
This latest political development comes against the backdrop of the emergency rule imposed earlier this year by President Bola Tinubu, during which former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), administered the state.
Upon assuming office during the emergency, Ibas suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and assistants appointed by Governor Fubara, and dissolved boards and agencies.
Though Ibas exited on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s cabinet appointees had remained uncertain.
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At its first sitting after the lifting of emergency rule, the Rivers State House of Assembly called on the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner-nominees alongside the 2025 budget for screening and passage.
The dissolution now clears the way for Governor Fubara to form a new executive cabinet, expected to align with the post-crisis political order in the state.