*‘I Believe This Is Going To Be The Last Time’
RIVERS State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday, February 12, dissolved the State Executive Council, following the third intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the lingering political crisis between him and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Observers see the action as ostensibly part of measures to accommodate the interests of Wike, his enstraged political godfather, and stave off ongoing impeachment procedings by the state House of Assembly.
The governor also appointed Onwuka Nzeshi as his new Chief Press Secretary (CPS), weeks after he quietly disengaging the former office holder, Nelson Chukwudi.
Fubara, in a statement signed by Nzeshi, while expressed appreciation to the outgoing cabinet, wished them the best in their future endeavours.
He directed all commissioners and special advisers to hand over to the permanent secretaries or the most senior officers in their ministries with immediate effect.
The dissolution comes 48 hours after Wike confirmed Tinubu’s reconciliation efforts at resolving the power struggle, with a third meeting with the actors, including Fubara and the minister.
The closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, also attended by other Rivers leaders, came amid ongoing impeachment process against the governor by lawmakers loyal to the minister.
Wike, who confirmed the Monday, February 9, meeting, said the President took the initiative to broker peace between Fubara and members of the state Assembly and hoped that it would Tinubu.
He said the President
He said: “I remember this is the second time the President is intervening and believe by the grace of God, this is going to be the last time.
“I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate to do.
“I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure that this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord.”
