PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dismissed commissioners and public officers whose appointments were tied to the faction of the state assembly recently invalidated by the Supreme Court.
The decision was announced during a valedictory session with members of his cabinet in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as 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 judgement of their appointments with immediate effect,” Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesperson, said in a statement.
The move follows a February ruling by the Supreme Court, which upheld the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the legitimate legislative body.
The ruling effectively nullified actions taken by the rival Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction, including the screening and approval of Fubara’s commissioner nominees and other appointees.
Fubara, reflecting on Nigeria’s independence, described the anniversary as a significant milestone in the country’s history.
He called on citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
“The Governor reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigour, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary,” the statement added.
The dismissals are the latest development in a protracted leadership crisis in Rivers State, which has pitted Fubara against Nyesom Wike, former governor and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The dispute between factions in the state assembly prompted President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers on Monday, March 17, 2025.
The measure was lifted on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with Tinubu directing Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the assembly to resume their duties.
Since then, both Fubara and Wike have publicly signalled reconciliation.
Fubara, speaking after the emergency rule was lifted, urged Rivers residents to draw lessons from the crisis.
“The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he said.
The governor has not yet announced replacements for the dismissed commissioners.
