Fubara Sacks Commissioners After Supreme Court Ruling
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dismissed commissioners and other public officials whose appointments were invalidated by a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The announcement was made in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a valedictory session with members of the state executive council. The event was part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
“Furthermore, the governor has relieved all commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect,” said Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s spokesperson, in an official statement.
Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to members of his outgoing cabinet for their service, assuring that he would continue to lead the state with “renewed vigour.”
The Supreme Court had in February recognised the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the legitimate legislative body. This decision effectively nullified the actions of the rival Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction, which had approved several appointments, including that of commissioners. The Oko-Jumbo faction is known to be loyal to Governor Fubara.
The Amaewhule-led assembly is closely aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s estranged political mentor.
The political conflict between both factions escalated earlier in the year, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in the state in March. The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, with Tinubu instructing Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly to resume their official duties.
Following his return, Governor Fubara announced a reconciliation with Wike and appealed to the people of Rivers State to embrace peace, noting that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
