Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved his cabinet, sacking all commissioners and other political appointees in his administration.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday evening in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi. According to the statement, the decision takes immediate effect and follows the recent Supreme Court judgment that has reshaped the political landscape of the state.
Speaking during a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the outgoing officials for their services and contributions to the development of Rivers State over the past two years.
“The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,” the statement read in part.
Fubara also assured Rivers people of his renewed commitment to serve the state diligently, thanking them for their continued support and extending warm wishes for the Independence celebration.
The decision brings to an end weeks of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the governor’s appointees. Recall that former administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who assumed office during the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, had earlier suspended all commissioners, special advisers, assistants, and parastatal heads appointed by Fubara.
Since Ibas left office on September 18, the political atmosphere in the state had been tense, with the Rivers State House of Assembly urging the governor to present a new list of commissioner-nominees for screening, alongside the 2025 budget.
With the sack of his current cabinet, all eyes are now on Governor Fubara as he prepares to constitute a fresh team that will steer the affairs of the state in the months ahead.