KEY POINTS

• Fubara sacks all Rivers State commissioners after court ruling.

• The governor pledges renewed vigour to serve residents.

• House of Assembly awaits new commissioner nominees.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed all commissioners and public office holders currently serving under his administration.

The sweeping decision follows a Supreme Court judgment that has significantly altered the state’s political terrain and institutional balance.

His Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, announced the directive on Wednesday evening in Port Harcourt, emphasising that it takes immediate effect.

The dismissal represents a decisive turn for Fubara’s administration, which has navigated months of turbulence and sustained political uncertainty.

Rivers’ cabinet dissolved after court ruling

During Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration, Fubara hosted a valedictory session with his departing cabinet members.

He expressed gratitude to the officials for their contributions toward sustaining developmental progress across the state during their service.

The governor commended sacrifices made by his outgoing cabinet, describing their roles as critical in supporting Rivers State’s governance.

In an official statement, Fubara stressed the significance of Nigeria’s independence, urging collaboration with President Bola Tinubu for national progress.

He noted that his decision was guided by the recent Supreme Court ruling, marking a new chapter in governance.

Fubara stated that the judgment offered clarity and direction, shaping his government’s path toward renewed commitment and administrative restructuring.

Fubara promises renewed vigour in service

The governor pledged to continue serving the people of Rivers with what he described as “renewed vigour,” adding that he was grateful for their support during a turbulent period in state politics.

He also wished Nigerians well on the independence anniversary and reaffirmed his vision for a stronger Rivers State.

The development follows last year’s federal intervention, when Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) was appointed to oversee Rivers during emergency rule imposed by President Tinubu. Ibas suspended all commissioners, advisers, and assistants appointed by Fubara, dissolving boards and halting parastatal activities.

Although Ibas left the state on September 18, the future of Fubara’s appointees remained unclear until now.

According to Punch, the Rivers State House of Assembly, in its first sitting after emergency rule ended, urged the governor to submit a new list of commissioner nominees alongside the 2025 budget for approval.

By dissolving his cabinet, Fubara has opened a window to rebuild his team under new circumstances. The reshuffle could help him consolidate political control, even as Rivers residents await clarity on the direction of governance in the months ahead.