Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed all commissioners and public officers serving under his administration, in a sweeping decision that followed the recent Supreme Court judgment.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday evening in Port Harcourt by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi. According to the statement, the directive takes immediate effect.
Before the formal announcement, Governor Fubara had presided over a valedictory session with his cabinet at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. At the session, he expressed appreciation to his cabinet members for their service and contributions to the development of the state during the past two years.
“Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years,” the statement read.
The governor urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the nation’s Independence anniversary by fostering peace and unity. He also pledged to continue serving the state with renewed vigour.
“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect,” the statement added.
The decision comes in the wake of political turbulence that has gripped Rivers State in recent months. Following the declaration of a state of emergency earlier this year, President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the interim Administrator of the state.
During his tenure, Ibas had suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and special assistants appointed by Fubara. He also dissolved boards and suspended the heads of parastatals in the state. The return of Fubara to office in September left many of his appointees uncertain about their fate until Wednesday’s announcement.
Political analysts say the mass sack could pave the way for a cabinet reshuffle as Fubara consolidates his administration in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling. However, the move is also expected to heighten political debates in Rivers, a state long regarded as one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile.
Fubara, meanwhile, called on citizens to continue supporting his government as it works towards a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous state. He also extended goodwill to Nigerians nationwide, wishing them a happy Independence anniversary.