Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara Dissolves State Executive Council Days After Reconciliation With Minister Wike

 Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dissolved the State Executive Council, just days after confirming a reconciliation with his predecessor and political heavyweight, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The announcement came on Thursday, February 12, 2026, through a statement signed by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi. Governor Fubara directed all commissioners, special advisers, and other affected political appointees to immediately hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries. The dissolution takes effect without delay, marking a clean break from the previous cabinet structure.

In the official release, the governor expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing members of the Executive Council for their dedication and contributions to the state's development during their tenure. He wished them success in their future endeavors, striking a tone of gratitude rather than conflict. No specific reason was provided for the decision in the statement, leaving political observers and residents to speculate on the underlying motives.

This development follows closely on the heels of a high-profile reconciliation effort between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike. Barely 48 hours earlier, Wike had publicly confirmed that reconciliation processes were underway, aimed at bringing an end to the prolonged political crisis that has gripped Rivers State for months. The feud between the two leaders, which erupted shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023, centered on control of the state's political structure, party loyalty, and influence over key institutions like the House of Assembly.

President Bola Tinubu played a pivotal role in facilitating the truce, convening meetings that brought the governor, his predecessor, and other stakeholders together in Abuja. Wike, speaking after inspecting projects in the FCT, described the intervention as a genuine effort to restore stability in Rivers State. The reconciliation appeared to signal a new chapter, with both sides expressing willingness to move forward for the benefit of the people.

Yet the timing of the cabinet dissolution has sparked widespread discussion. Some analysts view it as a strategic step to realign the administration in light of the fresh understanding reached with Wike. Others suggest it could pave the way for a reshuffled cabinet that better reflects the evolving political dynamics, possibly incorporating elements acceptable to both camps. There are also whispers that the move might be linked to broader governance reforms or preparations for upcoming electoral cycles.

The Rivers political crisis has been one of the most closely watched in recent Nigerian history. It involved defections in the state assembly, legal battles that reached the Supreme Court, and even a temporary declaration of a state of emergency in 2025, during which a sole administrator oversaw affairs for several months. Throughout these turbulent times, Governor Fubara has maintained that his focus remains on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State, emphasizing infrastructure, security, and economic growth.

This latest action underscores the fluid nature of politics in the oil-rich state, where alliances can shift rapidly and every decision carries layers of implication. As the handover process begins, attention now turns to what comes next—whether new appointments will soon be announced, how the reconciliation will translate into practical cooperation, and whether this marks the true beginning of lasting peace in Rivers politics.