Dare Babalola
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has relieved all appointees affected by the Supreme Court’s judgment of their duties.
The development was made known by the governor during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.
In a statement he sent to newsmen, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, confirmed that Fubara sacked all the commissioners and other public officers affected by the judgment.
While appreciating members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years, the Governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous country.
“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.
The Governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.
The Supreme Court’s judgement on the Rivers crisis among other verdicts, declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as an unlawful Assembly.
The Court, while recognising the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis including the passage of budgets; screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers.
It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The judgment rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.
Other commissioners affected by the judgment are Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.
Also, Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.
It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.
