Fubara Sacks Commissioners In Rivers State Following Supreme Court Ruling

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed all commissioners and other public office holders in his administration with immediate effect. The move, announced on Wednesday evening in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, follows the recent Supreme Court judgment.

During a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the outgoing officials for their service and contributions to the state over the past two years. The statement read in part: “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 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. 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 governor further pledged to serve the state “with renewed vigour,” while extending appreciation to Rivers people for their continued support and wishing Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

It will be recalled that Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who served as administrator during the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, had earlier suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and assistants appointed by Fubara, as well as dissolved boards and parastatal heads.

Since Ibas left office on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s appointees had remained uncertain. The Rivers State House of Assembly has already called on the governor to present a new list of commissioner nominees for screening, along with the 2025 budget.