Fubara Dissolves Rivers Executive Council, Orders Immediate Handover

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

The decision was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Onwuka Nzeshi. According to the statement, all commissioners and special advisers have been directed to hand over to the permanent secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries.

Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council for their contributions to the development of the state. He thanked them for their service and wished them success in their future endeavours.

The dissolution of a State Executive Council is a major political step, as the council is made up of commissioners and advisers who assist the governor in running the affairs of the state. Commissioners are usually in charge of key ministries such as finance, works, health, education, and agriculture. They help to implement government policies and oversee projects across the state.

While no official reason was given for the dissolution, such actions are not unusual in Nigerian politics. Governors sometimes dissolve their cabinets as part of a reshuffle, especially when they want to reassign roles, address performance issues, or adjust to changing political realities.

Governor Fubara, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, has faced political challenges in the state, including disagreements within the political structure that brought him to power. Rivers State has witnessed political tension in recent months, with disputes between key actors in the state’s political landscape.

Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most important oil-producing states and plays a major role in the country’s economy. As a result, political developments in the state often attract national attention.

The directive for commissioners and special advisers to hand over to permanent secretaries ensures that government business continues without interruption. Permanent secretaries are career civil servants who remain in office regardless of political changes. They are responsible for maintaining the day-to-day running of ministries and ensuring continuity in governance.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no announcement regarding when a new Executive Council would be constituted. However, it is expected that the governor will nominate new commissioners in due course, subject to confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly, as required by law.