Port Harcourt, Rivers State – In a swift assertion of authority following his return to office, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the Expanded State Executive Council (SEC) with immediate effect.
The dissolution, announced in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, comes just after Governor Fubara concluded a six-month period of administrative suspension and instability, recently addressed by a Supreme Court judgment.
Clearing the Deck
The decision relieves all commissioners, special advisers, and other public officers who were part of the cabinet that served under Fubara’s administration before the declaration of an emergency rule on March 18.
“The governor has relieved all commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect,” the CPS stated, formalizing the comprehensive restructuring of the state’s political executive.
The move marks the end of a tumultuous period for the cabinet, which had previously been suspended by the immediate past sole administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), upon his assumption of office. Fubara’s new directive clears the deck for the appointment of a team to execute his renewed mandate.
The Political Undercurrents
The dissolution of the SEC had been widely anticipated by political observers. The state’s political landscape has been defined by the deep-seated rift between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
While some observers believed the Governor might retain high-performing members, others speculated that Wike’s influence which was perceived to be instrumental in brokering Fubara’s return to the Governorship seat would heavily shape the composition of the new cabinet. The comprehensive dissolution now allows Governor Fubara the definitive freedom to assemble an executive team aligned entirely with his agenda.
A Valediction and a Look Ahead
The formal termination of the council’s tenure followed a valedictory session held in Port Harcourt yesterday. During the session, Governor Fubara expressed his gratitude to the cabinet members for their services and contributions to the state’s development over the past two years.
In a dual address that coincided with Nigeria’s Independence Day, the Governor called on citizens to unite and collaborate with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to foster a “peaceful, secure and prosperous country.”
Reiterating his commitment to the citizens of Rivers State, Governor Fubara promised to serve the state with “renewed vigour”, signalling a proactive and restructured government ahead.
