In a dramatic shake-up, Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday dissolved the entire State Executive Council, effectively sacking all commissioners and his Chief of Staff.

The announcement, which came shortly after the conclusion of the 12th State Executive Council meeting of 2025, was made public through a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula.

According to the statement, Governor Alia directed all outgoing commissioners to immediately hand over the affairs of their ministries to their respective permanent secretaries.

The move brings an abrupt end to the tenure of officials who have worked alongside the governor for the past two years.

While thanking the former commissioners for their service, Alia urged those who may not be reappointed to remain loyal to the party, noting that their exit would open the door for other qualified citizens to contribute to the state’s development.

“No one is being pushed out. Rather, space is being created for others to serve,” Kula stated.

The biggest surprise of the day was the replacement of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Paul Biam. In his place, the governor appointed renowned legal practitioner and two-term former Attorney General of the state, Mr. Moses Atagher.

Atagher, who also once served as the acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, is expected to bring seasoned administrative expertise to the governor’s inner circle.

Reacting on behalf of the dissolved cabinet, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Bemsen Mnyim, thanked Governor Alia for the opportunity to serve.

“At every stage in life, everywhere you are called to serve is a school. We have learnt a lot while working with you,” he said.

While no official reason has been given for the sweeping changes, political observers believe the governor may be repositioning his administration ahead of the second half of his tenure.