Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sacked all commissioners and other public office holders serving in his administration, a decision that comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The announcement was made in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and took immediate effect. The move was made as Fubara held a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Background to the Sacking
The decision is a direct consequence of a Supreme Court ruling that nullified some of the governor’s previous decisions. In February, the apex court affirmed the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the authentic and legally constituted lawmaking body. This judgment effectively rendered all decisions by the rival Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction—which was loyal to Governor Fubara—invalid.
This means that the screening and approval of Fubara’s cabinet members by the Oko-Jumbo faction were not recognized by law. Consequently, the appointments of the commissioners and other public officers were deemed illegal. The sacking of the commissioners is seen as a move by the governor to comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Political Context
The sacking is the latest development in the ongoing political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly is loyal to Wike, while the Oko-Jumbo faction had been loyal to Fubara.
The political crisis had led to President Bola Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State in March, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and state legislators for six months. The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, and the officials were reinstated. Upon their return, the Amaewhule-led Assembly called on the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner-nominees for screening.
By sacking the commissioners, Governor Fubara is beginning a new phase in the political landscape of Rivers State, as he is now expected to present a new list of nominees to the Amaewhule-led Assembly for screening and confirmation.
