Rivers State’s Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially terminated the appointments of all his appointed commissioners and political office holders in the state in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court earlier this year.
The Supreme Court ruling said the appointees held their offices illegally as they had not been confirmed by the majority legally constituted Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s estranged political godfather.
The House had made moves to impeach the Governor on the excuse of disobeying the Supreme Court, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared emergency rule in the state in March and suspended the legislators and Fubara with his Deputy.
To usher them out of service, the Governor held a valedictory session for the cabinet members for their services and contribution to the state in the last two years of his administration.
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According to a statement on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara explained that the officials’ sacking followed the recent Supreme Court judgment and was with immediate effect.
The statement reads, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years….
“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, his Deputy Governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were recently reinstated following the expiration of emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu over prolonged political crisis.
On assumption of office for the emergency rule, Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), suspended all commissioners, special advisers and special assistants appointed by Fubara.
Ibas also dissolved all boards and suspended heads of parastatals he met on the ground in the state.
Ibas handed power back to Fubara on September 18.
