Samuel Omang
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to formally disengage his cabinet on Independence Day has set the political atmosphere in Rivers State abuzz, drawing both commendation and criticism from different quarters.
At Government House, Port Harcourt, the Governor had thanked his outgoing commissioners and aides for their service, even as he marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a message of unity and renewed commitment to Rivers people. But outside the ceremony, reactions to the move were swift and varied.
For Fubara’s allies, the gesture was seen as an act of magnanimity and closure after months of political turbulence. Civil society leader, Gladys Oji, described the Governor’s tone as “rare in Nigerian politics,” adding that “instead of recriminations, he chose gratitude. That shows leadership.”
Political analysts, however, read the move differently. Dr. Felix Nwogu argued that the cabinet shake-up was “inevitable after the Supreme Court ruling but also highly strategic,” noting that Fubara appeared eager to signal stability after surviving suspension under the State of Emergency.
Not everyone is convinced. Community leader, Chief Friday Ogbonda, warned that Rivers could suffer governance delays if the Governor lingers in appointing a fresh team. “This is a time of economic hardship, flooding and insecurity. We need action, not political resets,” he said.
On the streets of Port Harcourt, ordinary residents seemed more concerned with outcomes than political maneuvers. “We don’t care who he appoints. We just want jobs and working schools,” said Chike Ebube, a taxi driver.
The Governor’s call for Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu also drew attention. Some interpreted it as a statesmanlike appeal for peace, while others saw it as Fubara carefully rebuilding ties with the federal center after months of strained relations.
Already speculations are rife in some quarters that the sacking of the commissioners by Governor Fubara is one is remotely orchestrated by his godfather Nyesom Wike who wants to impose his own loyalists as commissioners.
As Rivers waits for the unveiling of a new cabinet, one question lingers in the air: will Fubara’s next appointments calm the storm or stir fresh waves in the state’s volatile political waters?