Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved his cabinet and sacked all commissioners and other public office holders serving in his administration, signaling a major political reset in the state following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, who said the decision takes immediate effect. The development came shortly after a valedictory session held at Government House, Port Harcourt, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, where Governor Fubara formally thanked his outgoing cabinet members for their service.
“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. “Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.”
During the valedictory session, Governor Fubara praised the commitment and dedication of the outgoing officials, acknowledging their role in advancing development projects and governance reforms over the past two years. He also used the occasion to urge Nigerians to embrace unity and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the effort to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation.
Highlighting the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to serve the people of Rivers State “with renewed vigour,” while expressing deep gratitude to citizens for their unwavering support.
The sweeping dismissal follows months of political uncertainty in the state’s executive structure. After President Bola Tinubu imposed emergency rule earlier in the year, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as interim administrator and promptly suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and assistants appointed by Fubara. Ibas also dissolved all state boards and removed heads of parastatals.
Since the end of the emergency rule and Ibas’ exit on September 18, the status of Fubara’s appointees had remained unclear. The Rivers State House of Assembly, during its first sitting after normal governance resumed, had urged the governor to submit a new list of commissioner-nominees for screening along with the 2025 budget proposal.
Wednesday’s move appears to be Fubara’s first major step toward reorganizing his administration and regaining full political control of the state. Political observers say the shake-up could pave the way for a more cohesive and loyal cabinet as the governor navigates Rivers State’s complex political landscape in the lead-up to the 2025 budget year.
