Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, sacking all Commissioners and Special Advisers in a sweeping cabinet shake-up.
The dissolution was announced on Thursday in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, who directed all outgoing political appointees to hand over to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries without delay.
Governor Fubara thanked the departing officials for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Governor Elevates Five to Permanent Secretary
In a parallel administrative move, the Governor approved the promotion of five senior civil servants to the rank of Permanent Secretary, in what observers describe as a strategy to reinforce the state’s bureaucratic machinery ahead of the formation of a new cabinet.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are:
· Dr. Wachukwu, Vincent Worgu
· Eke, Cordelia Uwuma
· Ogboma, Ifeanyi Anthony
· Dr. Jim-Jaja, Mina Gogo
· Uzor, Henry
Their swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Cabinet Exit Follows Fresh Peace Talks
The dissolution comes 48 hours after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had convened a high-level peace meeting with key political actors in Rivers State, including Governor Fubara and his predecessor, in a renewed bid to resolve the protracted political crisis in the oil-rich state.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Presidential Villa on Monday, February 9, was also attended by other Rivers leaders. It followed the initiation of a third impeachment notice against Governor Fubara by lawmakers loyal to Wike—a move currently before the courts.
Speaking on Tuesday after inspecting projects in Abuja, Wike described the President’s intervention as critical to ending the prolonged discord.
“I remember this is the second time the President is intervening and believe by the grace of God, this is going to be the last time,” Wike said.
“I have told the assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate. I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure that this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord.”
Observers noted a possible easing of tensions after Governor Fubara accompanied the FCT Minister to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, following the Villa meeting.
However, it remains unclear whether the pro-Wike lawmakers will withdraw the impeachment notice or whether the latest round of talks will translate into a lasting political truce.