In what some observers describe as a deft move to navigate the challenges posed to his administration by the Nyesom Wike backed state assembly members, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is set to convert some of his former commissioners to Special Advisers to boost membership of the depleted State Executive Council.
Recall that the Supreme Court had voided the local government election conducted by Governor Fubara as well as the appointment of commissioners not screened by the assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
The development had left only 8 commissioners in the state Exco, who were among the set earlier screened before hostilities erupted on the political stage in the state.
The recalcitrant lawmakers have been on the neck of the governor to send in his list of commissioner nominees for the required legislative screening.
Governor Fubara on his part has been very cautious in dancing to the tune of the lawmakers and has continued to work with the 8 remaining commissioners.
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However a statement by the Permanent Secretary,.state ministry of information, Dr Honour Sirawo on Thursday announced that the governor would swear in five Special Advisers on Friday (today)
Among those to be sworn in are two former commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgement, Barrister Eloka Tasie-Amadi, formerly commissioner for Works and Professor Peter Medee, formerly commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.
Others to be sworn in as Special Advisers include, Barrister Emmanuel Frank Fubara,
Hon. Victor Ekaro, and Dr. Darlington Oji.
The governor had earlier moved the commissioner for sports, Christopher Green, to become the Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, but still overseeing the sports portfolio.
Observers say Governor Fubara may run through the remaining part of his first tenure with this arrangement, avoiding as much as possible any area of potential conflict between him and the lawmakers.
