Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the dissolution of his cabinet, relieving commissioners and other public office holders affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments.
Speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a valedictory session with his cabinet members, the governor described the move as a necessary step to reposition the state following the apex court’s ruling on the protracted political crisis in Rivers.
The session, which coincided with activities marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, was attended by outgoing commissioners, special advisers, and other aides who were affected by the decision.
Governor Fubara commended the departing officials for their service to the state, noting that their tenure coincided with one of the most turbulent political periods in Rivers’ history. He stated that the dissolution was not punitive but in line with constitutional and political realities, stressing that it was imperative to chart a new course for governance and stability.
“Today marks the end of a chapter in the political history of Rivers State. The Supreme Court has spoken, and as governor, it is my duty to realign the machinery of government in line with the new legal and political order. To those who have served, I say thank you. Your contributions will never be forgotten,” Fubara declared.
The governor’s decision has sparked mixed reactions across the state’s political spectrum.
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, under which Governor Fubara was elected, described the development as “an inevitable outcome of the judicial process.” PDP’s state chairman lauded the governor for “demonstrating respect for the rule of law” and urged citizens to rally around the administration to ensure continuity in governance.
In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers accused the governor of using the Supreme Court judgment as a cover to sideline political opponents. The party’s spokesperson argued that the move could “escalate divisions and stifle opposition voices in the state,” calling for inclusivity in the next round of appointments.
Civil society groups also weighed in. The Rivers Integrity Forum described the cabinet shake-up as a “painful but necessary sacrifice” to restore confidence in governance, while the Coalition for Democratic Accountability warned against replacing the dissolved cabinet with “a circle of loyalists rather than technocrats.”
Governor Fubara reassured Rivers people of his administration’s commitment to good governance, peace, and development. According to him, the state would witness a renewed focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security in the coming months.
Political observers note that the Supreme Court judgment, which redefined the legitimacy of certain appointments and the structure of power in the state, compelled the governor to make far-reaching decisions in order to prevent governance paralysis.
As Rivers State marks Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, the latest shake-up underscores the state’s central role in the country’s complex political landscape.
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