Fubara Sacks Commissioners Over Supreme Court Verdict
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed all Commissioners and Senior Public Officers whose appointments were nullified by the Supreme Court, in compliance with the recent judgment that reshaped the state’s political landscape.
The announcement was made during a valedictory session with members of the cabinet in Port Harcourt on Thursday, held as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary events.
Last week, the Supreme Court declared the Victor Oko-Jumbo–led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly unconstitutional, ruling that the Martins Amaewhule–led group remains the State’s legitimate Legislative Arm.
The judgment effectively voided all actions taken by the Oko-Jumbo faction, including the screening and confirmation of Commissioners loyal to Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara said the disengagement was a necessary step to respect the rule of law.
He praised the affected Commissioners for their service, describing them as “partners in progress during a turbulent period.”
Among those affected are:
Iboroma Dagogo, SAN – Attorney-General & Justice
Charles O. Beke – Works
Collins Onunwo – Youth Development
Solomon Eke – Local Government Affairs
Peter Medee – Energy & Natural Resources
Elloka Tasie-Amadi – Finance
Basoene Joshua Benibo – Environment
Tambari Sydney Gbara – Information & Communications
Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma – Special Duties
Illamu Arugu – Agriculture
Rowland Obed Whyte – Education
Samuel Anya – Transport
Samuel Eyiba – Health
Austin Emeka Nnadozie – Housing
Israel Ngbuelu – Lands
Evans Bipi – Chieftaincy & Community Affairs
Otamiri Ngubo – Commerce & Industry
Benibo Alabraba – Culture & Tourism
Emmanuel Frank-Fubara – Water Resources
In total, more than nineteen Commissioners and several Advisers lost their positions.
The ruling marks another dramatic twist in the power tussle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
The dispute split the Rivers Assembly earlier in the year, prompting political instability and even a Federal emergency declaration before the Supreme Court’s intervention.
With the Amaewhule faction now firmly recognized, Governor Fubara faces the challenge of reconstituting his cabinet through a Legislative body largely loyal to Wike.
Political observers say the development could either weaken the Governor’s grip on power or push him to forge new alliances.
For now, Fubara has promised to nominate new Commissioners soon, ensuring governance in the State is not disrupted.
“We must uphold the law and continue to serve our people with commitment and transparency,” he said.
