Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers state, has dismissed commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Governor announced this on Wednesday during a valedictory session with his cabinet in Port Harcourt, the state capital, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.
He said independence remains a landmark in the country’s history and urged citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts toward building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesperson, quoted him as saying in a statement, “The Governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigour, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.”
“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect.”
Fubara also thanked members of his cabinet for their service and contributions to the growth of the state over the last two years.
Recall that in February, the Supreme Court ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers state house of assembly to resume sitting after a leadership crisis erupted between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
The ruling recognized Amaewhule’s group as the authentic Rivers assembly, thereby nullifying decisions made by the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction loyal to Fubara.
Before the judgment, Fubara had submitted a list of commissioner nominees and other appointees to the Oko-Jumbo faction for screening and approval. However, the apex court ruling invalidated those approvals.
The political crisis prompted President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers on March 17, which lasted six months before being lifted on September 17. Tinubu then directed Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly members to resume work.
