Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to the tenure of all serving commissioners and special advisers in the state.
The decision was announced on Thursday in an official statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi. According to the statement, all affected officials have been directed to hand over the affairs of their respective ministries, departments, and agencies to the permanent secretaries or the most senior civil servants within their offices.
While no specific reasons were outlined for the sweeping dissolution, the governor expressed appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council for their contributions and service to the state. He also wished them well in their future endeavours, signaling that the move is part of a broader administrative decision rather than a punitive action.
The dissolution of a state executive council is a significant political development, as commissioners play a central role in policy formulation and implementation across various sectors, including finance, works, education, health, and infrastructure. Their removal effectively resets the administrative structure of the executive arm of the state government pending fresh appointments.
Political observers are likely to interpret the move within the broader context of Rivers State’s evolving political dynamics. Such restructuring exercises are sometimes undertaken to reposition governance priorities, strengthen loyalty within the cabinet, or realign the administration’s strategic direction.
For now, governance activities are expected to continue under the supervision of permanent secretaries until new appointments are announced. Further details regarding potential replacements or cabinet reconstitution have yet to be disclosed by the governor’s office.
