In a surprising move that has stirred conversations across Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appointed five new special advisers, which includes two former commissioners from his own administration. This decision comes just days after the governor made a minor adjustment to his cabinet, notably reassigning Barr. Christopher Green, the Commissioner for Sports, to the role of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the Ministry of Justice.
Yet, according to a statement from Dr. Honour Sirawoo, the Permanent Secretary at the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Green will still oversee the operations of the Ministry of Sports until a new Commissioner is appointed, ensuring continuity in that sector.
The announcement detailing these appointments was released on Thursday in Port Harcourt and shared with the media by Dr. Sirawoo. Among those named as special advisers are Professor Peter Medee, who previously held the position of Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, alongside Barr. Eloka Tasie-Amadi, the former Commissioner for Works. It’s important to note that both Medee and Tasie-Amadi were impacted by a recent Supreme Court ruling that recognized Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
These five new advisers will officially take their oaths of office on Friday, January 2, 2026, during a ceremony set to take place at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt, at noon. All appointees are expected to arrive by 11:30 a.m. for the event.
In a related context, it’s worth recalling that following their first meeting after the imposition of emergency rule, the Assembly had urged Governor Fubara to submit the names of commissioner nominees for legislative review—a request that remains unaddressed. Recently, lawmakers have voiced concerns over what they describe as the governor’s ongoing practice of utilizing the state’s consolidated revenue account since taking office in 2023 without obtaining necessary legislative consent. This has occurred despite prior warnings and a Supreme Court verdict, raising questions about adherence to constitutional principles and the separation of powers within the government.
As public interest grows around these developments, one can't help but wonder: How will these new appointments affect the political landscape in Rivers State? Will the governor's approach to governance continue to face scrutiny? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
