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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Executive Council, bringing an end to the tenure of all commissioners and political appointees.
The governor directed the affected officials, including Special Advisers, to immediately hand over to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.
In the statement, Governor Fubara said the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state and as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise governance.
“I wish to sincerely thank members of the State Executive Council for their service, dedication and contributions to the development of Rivers State,” the governor said.
He added, “Their efforts at this critical period of our administration are appreciated, and I wish them well in their future endeavours.”
Fubara also directed immediate compliance with the handover process, stressing the need for continuity in government operations.
“All Commissioners and political appointees are to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries with immediate effect to ensure seamless administration,” he stated.
The sweeping dissolution followed the governor’s recent closed-door meeting in Abuja with President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The high-level meeting, held on Sunday at the Presidential Villa, came against the backdrop of rising political tension in Rivers State, including a renewed impeachment move against the governor by members of the State House of Assembly.
Reports had it that the intervention was aimed at easing the escalating crisis between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
Rivers has witnessed weeks of political uncertainty, marked by deepening rifts between Governor Fubara and lawmakers, a development that further intensified following impeachment threats.
Stakeholders had called for urgent federal intervention as the standoff threatened governance in the oil-rich state.
Sunday’s meeting was widely viewed as a strategic effort by President Tinubu to de-escalate tensions and initiate reconciliation among the warring factions.