Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reshuffled his cabinet, resulting in the redeployment of two commissioners known for their loyalty to former Governor Nyesom Wike from crucial government ministries.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Zacchaeus Adangor, previously the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties within the Governor’s Office.
Meanwhile, Isaac Kamalu, the Commissioner for Finance, has been shifted to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment.
Confirming the “minor” cabinet reshuffle, State Commissioner for Information Joseph Johnson disclosed the details to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday night.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, defended the government’s actions, stating that the redeployment aims to enhance efficiency and strengthen key governance sectors.
“All parties involved are mandated to facilitate seamless transitions, with immediate handovers to their respective Permanent Secretaries,” Mr Danagogo said, stressing that all handover processes must be completed without delay.
“The reshuffle reflects Governor Fubara’s proactive approach to governance, ensuring that the right individuals are placed in key positions to advance the state’s development objectives. With these strategic appointments, the administration reaffirms its commitment to delivering impactful governance and fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for all citizens of Rivers State,” the statement said.
Although details of new redeployments remain undisclosed, it’s unclear if the two commissioners will accept their new postings.
These commissioners were among nine Wike loyalists in Governor Fubara’s cabinet who resigned following the political fallout between Wike and Fubara.
The rift divided the state legislature, with 27 lawmakers supporting Wike and four backing Governor Fubara.
The return of these commissioners to Governor Fubara’s cabinet followed a controversial peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu in December last year to reconcile the political feud between Fubara and Wike.
They were reconfirmed for their positions by the state assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, another Wike loyalist.
The peace deal also benefitted Mr. Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers in the state assembly, whose seats were declared vacant after their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
