Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has held a closed door meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some elders of the state.
Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, who shared a picture of the meeting on social media, said Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, also attended the meeting.
But Olayinka did not disclose details of the meeting, which is the first known one with stakeholders since Fubara sacked his loyalists ahead of the formation of a new cabinet.
The appointment of new commissioners was said to be one of the agreements reached at the peace meeting President Bola Tinubu held with Wike and Fubara during the emergency rule.
Fubara while speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a valedictory session with his cabinet, on Wednesday, had said the decision to disengage his loyalists was in line with the Supreme Court judgement which affected their appointments.
In February, the Supreme Court had recognised the House of Assembly loyal to Wike.
At the height of the rift between Fubara and Wike, the governor’s appointees were screened by assembly faction under then factional speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
But the assembly loyal to Wike had kicked against the development.
In a statement on Wednesday, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesman,
quoted the governor as thanking members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years.
According to the statement, “The Governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and 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 Governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.
“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect.”
At their inaugural sitting after the expiration of emergency rule, Rivers Assembly members had requested Fubara to send a list of commissioner nominees.
Governor Fubara is expected to form a new cabinet any time from now.
