The Rivers State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed five out of the nine commissioner nominees forwarded by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while rejecting the remaining four during a televised plenary session.
The lawmakers cited poor performance during the screening exercise, unresolved controversies, and concerns over the nominees’ preparedness and suitability for office as the reasons for withholding confirmation of the four individuals.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Martins Amaewhule announced the House’s resolution and directed that a formal letter be sent to the governor requesting the inauguration of only the five approved nominees.
“Distinguished colleagues, we have nine nominees forwarded to this Assembly by the governor. At the end of the screening exercise the House has confirmed five of them,” the Speaker stated.
“And four of them the House has chosen to take a deep breath given their poor performance and controversies surrounding either their documents and they have not been able to show this august assembly that they are indeed prepared to serve Rivers State or that they are able.
“And we feel that they are not square pegs in square holes for the offices that they intend to occupy in the Rivers State Executive Council.
“On that note, distinguished colleagues, I thank you for your contributions. With your leave and in line with our rules, I will forward the resolution of this august assembly to the governor so that he can take necessary steps for the interest of Rivers State.”
The five commissioner-nominees who received the House’s approval and clean bill of health are:
- Tonye Belgam
- Prof. Temple Nwafor
- Dr. Peters Nwagor
- Lekue Kenneth
- Amarigha Edward-Hart
The four nominees whose confirmations were rejected include:
- Prof. Datonye Alasia
- Barr. Tamuno Williams
- Otonye Amachree
- Charity Deemua
The decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing working relationship between the Rivers State Executive and the legislature, especially amid recent political tensions in the state. The House’s action effectively limits the governor’s immediate ability to constitute a full cabinet, as only the confirmed five can now be sworn in and assigned portfolios.
Governor Fubara is expected to respond formally to the Assembly’s resolution in the coming days. The development could lead to further consultations between the executive and legislative arms, potential replacement nominations for the rejected candidates, or political negotiations to resolve the impasse.
The screening process and subsequent plenary were broadcast live, allowing residents of Rivers State to follow the proceedings and observe the lawmakers’ scrutiny of each nominee’s credentials, track record, and responses to questions.
As the state continues to navigate governance and development priorities, attention now turns to how the governor will proceed with the partial cabinet formation and whether additional nominees will be submitted to fill the vacant commissioner slots.
