The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council and the dismissal of all Special Advisers. This significant decision, communicated through a statement issued on Thursday by the newly appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, directs all Commissioners and Special Advisers to promptly hand over their responsibilities to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers within their respective ministries.

Governor Fubara expressed his profound appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council for their dedicated service to the state and extended his best wishes for their future endeavors. The directive effectively concludes the tenure of these political appointees, emphasizing a swift transition to ensure continuous and uninterrupted government operations.

This cabinet reshuffle occurs shortly after reports of reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving the long-standing political crisis in Rivers State. These efforts gained prominence 48 hours prior to the dissolution, when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, confirmed ongoing attempts to mediate the crisis. Earlier, President Bola Tinubu reportedly hosted a crucial meeting on Monday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other key stakeholders from the state.

While official details of this high-level meeting were not publicly disclosed, sources close to the discussions indicated that it was part of the Presidency's concerted initiatives to broker peace and restore political stability in the oil-rich state, which has been plagued by a bitter power struggle for several months. Following the meeting at Aso Rock, Governor Fubara was observed accompanying Minister Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, signaling a step towards de-escalation.

Rivers State has experienced profound political divisions since the fallout between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, who were once close political allies. The rift, which emerged shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, has manifested in intense battles over the control of the State House of Assembly, various party structures, and the broader political machinery within the state. With the dissolution of the cabinet, Governor Fubara is now expected to present a new list of commissioner nominees to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for their screening and subsequent confirmation.