Port Harcourt, Rivers State – February 13, 2026 — Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council (SEC) and the dismissal of all Special Advisers in a major cabinet reshuffle that has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape.
The dissolution was contained in a Government Special Announcement signed by the governor and broadcast on state-owned television and radio stations this morning. The brief statement, titled “Dissolution of the Rivers State Executive Council and Dismissal of Special Advisers,” declared all commissioners, special advisers, and other political appointees in the executive arm of government relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
The announcement read in part:
“Following a careful review of the performance of the State Executive Council and in line with the need to reposition the administration for greater efficiency, service delivery, and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Rivers people, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, has approved the dissolution of the State Executive Council and the dismissal of all Special Advisers with immediate effect.”
Governor Fubara thanked the outgoing commissioners and special advisers for their service to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours. He assured the people of Rivers State that a new team would be constituted “in due course” after wide consultations and careful consideration of competence, loyalty, and commitment to the administration’s development priorities.
The dissolution comes amid persistent political tension in Rivers State, which has seen a prolonged rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike (now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory). The feud has led to factionalisation within the state House of Assembly, multiple court cases, and accusations of interference in the governance of the oil-rich state.
Political analysts interpret the cabinet dissolution as a strategic move by Governor Fubara to consolidate power, remove perceived loyalists of the former governor, and install a team more aligned with his vision and independent of external influence. The sweeping action also affects commissioners believed to have maintained close ties with Wike or who were appointed during the height of the political crisis.
No official reason beyond “repositioning the administration” was provided in the announcement, but sources close to Government House indicate that the decision had been under consideration for several weeks. The dissolution effectively leaves most ministries without political heads pending the appointment of new commissioners, although permanent secretaries are expected to continue supervising daily operations.
The move has elicited mixed reactions:
Supporters of Governor Fubara hailed the decision as a bold step toward reclaiming full control of the state machinery and delivering on campaign promises without divided loyalties.
Critics, including members of the pro-Wike faction, described it as an act of desperation and an attempt to purge perceived opponents ahead of the 2027 elections.
Civil society groups and governance watchdogs urged the governor to ensure that any new appointments are based on merit, transparency, and inclusiveness, warning against using the reshuffle to settle political scores.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition parties have yet to issue formal statements, though party leaders are expected to comment soon. The development is also likely to influence ongoing political realignments in the state as different camps position themselves for the 2027 governorship and legislative elections.
Governor Fubara, who has repeatedly emphasised his commitment to good governance, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment, is expected to name a new cabinet within the next few weeks. Until then, the machinery of government will be run primarily by career civil servants under the supervision of the Head of Service.
The dissolution marks the most significant cabinet shake-up since Governor Fubara assumed office in May 2023 and is being closely watched as a potential turning point in the protracted political crisis that has defined Rivers State governance for over two years.
Further developments, including the list of new commissioners and special advisers, are awaited with keen interest by political stakeholders and the people of Rivers State.
