Fubara sacks commissioners, other public officers affected by Supreme Court judgment
Port Harcourt – October 2, 2025
Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday announced the immediate relief of all commissioners and public officers whose appointments were affected by a February 2025 Supreme Court judgment that validated the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly and invalidated the decisions of the rival Victor Oko-Jumbo faction. The governor announced during a private valedictory session with his cabinet at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The announcement was issued in a statement by Nelson Chukwudi, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary. The statement thanked members of the cabinet for their service to the state over the past two years, wished Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary, and said the decision to relieve affected officers was taken in response to the Supreme Court ruling.
The governor reiterated his commitment to serving Rivers State with “renewed vigour” and called on citizens and stakeholders to work together for peace and development.
In February 2025 the Supreme Court ruled that the three-man factional assembly loyal to the Governor Mr. Fubara led by Victor Oko-Jumbo was not a lawful House of Assembly, and that the Amaewhule-led House was the legally constituted legislature.
As a result, actions taken by the invalidated faction, including the screening and confirmation of certain commissioners and appointees, were declared null and void. That judgment effectively rendered the appointments confirmed by the Oko-Jumbo group legally defective.
The governor’s office, through the CPS, said the sack applies only to those officers whose appointments were confirmed by the now-invalidated factional assembly. Media reports indicate the move affects commissioners, special advisers and other public office holders whose confirmations were tied to the faction’s actions. The statement says the action takes effect immediately.
The immediate effect is administrative, affected officers are no longer in office pending any fresh nomination and confirmation process. Observers say the move reduces legal uncertainty by aligning the executive’s appointments with the Supreme Court’s ruling, but it is also likely to prolong political tension around the governance of Rivers State.
The removal of confirmed appointees raises practical questions about continuity in ministries and projects, and whether some of the relieved officials will be re-nominated and properly screened by the recognised House of Assembly.
