Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, has officially relieved commissioners and other public officers whose appointments were invalidated by a recent Supreme Court ruling, signaling a decisive move to align the state government with the apex court’s decision.
The announcement came during a valedictory session held on Wednesday in Port Harcourt with members of his cabinet, as part of the state’s activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. While addressing the gathering, Fubara acknowledged the significance of the national milestone and encouraged citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous country.
According to Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s spokesperson, Fubara expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to serve with renewed energy. He stated, “The Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect.” The governor also thanked his cabinet members for their contributions to the state’s development over the past two years.
The move follows the Supreme Court’s February ruling, which recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the authentic legislative body, effectively invalidating decisions taken by the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction, which had previously screened and approved Fubara’s commissioner nominees. The court’s decision arose from a leadership dispute between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, with the Amaewhule faction loyal to Wike.
The leadership crisis in Rivers State prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in the state on March 17, temporarily suspending certain legislative functions. The emergency rule ended on September 17, with the president directing Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly to resume normal duties the following day. In the aftermath, Wike confirmed discussions with Fubara, who later described the interaction as reconciliatory.
In his address, Fubara urged Rivers residents to reflect on the lessons of the emergency rule, stressing the value of peace over conflict. He remarked, “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” highlighting the importance of stability and civic responsibility for the continued progress of Rivers State and the nation.
The disengagement of the affected commissioners marks a critical step in restoring constitutional order in Rivers, aligning the state government with the apex court’s directives, and setting the stage for renewed governance under legal and political clarity.
