Fubara dissolves Rivers executive council amid renewed peace talks
Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara has dissolved the state executive council, in a move that comes days after fresh efforts to resolve the protracted political crisis in the oil-rich state.
The decision was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the governor’s chief press secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.
According to the statement, all commissioners and special advisers have been directed to hand over to the permanent secretaries or the most senior officials in their respective ministries with immediate effect.
Fubara thanked the outgoing members of the executive council for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours.
The dissolution comes 48 hours after the minister of the federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike, confirmed renewed reconciliation efforts aimed at ending the power struggle that has destabilised Rivers for months.
Wike said President Bola Tinubu had met key political actors from the state, including Fubara and his predecessor, at the presidential villa in Abuja in an attempt to ease tensions. Other Rivers political leaders were also present at the closed-door meeting.
The intervention followed an ongoing impeachment process initiated against Fubara by lawmakers in the Rivers state house of assembly loyal to Wike. It is the third such notice served on the governor and has become the subject of litigation.
Speaking on Tuesday after inspecting projects in Abuja, Wike said the meeting, held on Monday 9 February at the president’s instance, marked the second time Tinubu had intervened in the dispute.
“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.”
Local reports suggested that after the meeting at the villa, Fubara accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, a development some observers interpreted as a possible sign of easing hostilities.
It remains unclear whether lawmakers aligned with Wike will withdraw the impeachment notice or whether the latest round of talks will result in a lasting truce in a state that plays a critical role in Nigeria’s oil production.