Fubara Sacks All Commissioners, Appointees After Supreme Court Verdict

R Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has relieved all commissioners and political appointees whose appointments were affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement on the state’s legislative crisis.

The governor made the announcement on Wednesday during a valedictory session with his cabinet at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara confirmed that all commissioners and other public officers whose appointments were nullified by the apex court had been removed from office.

The governor expressed gratitude to the outgoing cabinet members for their services and contributions to the state’s development over the past two years. He also renewed his commitment to serve Rivers State with “renewed vigor” and called on citizens to support his administration.

“He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,” the statement said.

Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court had declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo illegal, recognising instead the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government.

The ruling nullified all legislative decisions taken by the Oko-Jumbo faction in favour of Governor Fubara, including budget approvals as well as the screening and confirmation of commissioners and other public office holders.

As a result, the appointments of more than 19 commissioners were voided. Those affected include Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, along with Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara, Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma, Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba, and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara.

Next Steps

It was gathered that Governor Fubara may re-submit a fresh list of nominees to the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which could include some of the recently sacked commissioners.