Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a decisive and unexpected political move that may reshape the administrative structure of one of Nigeria’s most strategically significant states, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the entire State Executive Council and ordered all commissioners and special advisers to vacate their positions and hand over to the permanent secretaries or the most senior civil servants in their ministries with immediate effect. The directive was issued in a special government announcement on Thursday night and represents the latest chapter in a protracted political crisis that has affected the governance of the oil-rich state.
The dissolution applies to all political appointees within the executive council, including commissioners and special advisers, effectively placing the civil service at the helm of day-to-day administration until new appointments are made. The governor’s statement, conveyed by his newly appointed Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, emphasized appreciation for the outgoing officials and thanked them for their service to the state. Nzeshi’s appointment follows the dismissal of the former Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, who was relieved of his duties as part of the shake-up.
Governor Fubara’s action comes just days after a high-level intervention by President Bola Tinubu aimed at resolving the enduring political stalemate in Rivers State. The presidential mediation included a closed-door meeting in Abuja with key stakeholders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike. Observers see the dissolution as part of the implementation of a peace deal brokered at that meeting, intended to reset political relations and create space for a more inclusive executive configuration.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been one of Nigeria’s most persistent sub-national governance challenges in recent years, marked by a series of confrontations between Governor Fubara and various factions within the state’s political establishment. The tension escalated in 2025 when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months amid allegations of governance paralysis and security concerns. Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (retd) was appointed as Interim Administrator during the emergency period. That state of emergency was subsequently lifted in September 2025, allowing Fubara and other elected officials to resume their mandates.
Despite the lifting of the emergency rule, political antagonism persisted, with legislative attempts to impeach Governor Fubara and ongoing disputes between his camp and supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in late 2025 appeared to be part of his strategy to secure federal backing, yet it has not fully resolved underlying tensions. Some lawmakers aligned with Wike continued impeachment efforts, complicating governance and legislative relations within the state.
Thursday’s dissolution of the executive council is interpreted by political analysts as a strategic reset that could facilitate a fresh composition of the cabinet, reflecting the terms of the recent peace efforts. Permanent secretaries and senior civil servants have been directed to manage ministry operations pending the appointment and confirmation of new commissioners. The expectation is that Governor Fubara will soon present a new list of commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The decision has elicited varied reactions from different quarters within the state. Supporters of Fubara argue that the move will usher in a new era of collaborative governance by creating a cabinet that reflects the broader political interests of the state, particularly after the reconciliation talks involving the federal government. They view it as a necessary step to stabilize the administration and enhance policy implementation after prolonged political uncertainty.
Critics, however, caution that dissolving the cabinet so abruptly could disrupt policy continuity and delay ongoing programs, particularly in critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, and education. They argue that the absence of political leadership at the commissioner level, even temporarily, risks slowing decision-making processes and undermining service delivery. Some local stakeholders have called for swift appointments to minimize administrative bottlenecks.
The broader context for the dissolution includes longstanding disagreements between Governor Fubara and influential political figures in the state, particularly those aligned with his former political patron, Nyesom Wike. The relationship between Fubara and Wike deteriorated after Fubara’s election, resulting in fractured party unity and competing power blocs within Rivers State. The federal government’s repeated intervention, including the emergency declaration and subsequent reconciliation efforts, reflects concerns that sustained political instability could impede development and security in a region central to Nigeria’s oil economy.
Governance experts note that the reliance on permanent secretaries during this transition reflects a broader constitutional principle in Nigeria’s federal system: when political offices are vacated or undergoing transition, career civil servants provide continuity to maintain essential services. This arrangement is intended to prevent administrative paralysis, ensuring that ministries function effectively even in the absence of political leadership.
As Rivers State enters this new phase of transitional governance, attention will focus on how swiftly Governor Fubara moves to reconstitute his executive council and whether the new configuration will foster a more stable political environment. Observers will also watch for indications of how legislative and executive relations evolve, particularly with the state house of assembly, which has played a central role in recent political confrontations.
For residents, the cabinet dissolution brings both uncertainty and cautious optimism. Some hope that a renewed executive council could lead to better alignment between state leadership and public expectations, especially in addressing economic challenges, infrastructure deficits, and security concerns. Others remain apprehensive about the potential for further political maneuvering and disruption if appointments are delayed or become subject to renewed factional disputes.
Ultimately, Governor Fubara’s dissolution of the Rivers State Executive Council underscores the fluid and dynamic nature of sub-national politics in Nigeria. It highlights the ongoing challenges of governance in a context where political alliances, executive authority, and legislative oversight intersect amidst broader efforts by federal actors to promote stability and democratic process.
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