Rivers Assembly Summons Fubara’s Commissioner Nominees for Screening

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday invited nine commissioner-nominees sent by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for screening and confirmation in Port Harcourt, following the receipt of their names for appointment into the State Executive Council.

The lawmakers confirmed that the list was formally submitted by the governor and that the screening process will begin after the nominees submit the required documents.

The invitation was contained in a special government announcement dated March 3 and signed by the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi.

The notice directed the nominees to provide forty copies of their curriculum vitae, photocopies of their credentials and proof of tax compliance. All documents are to be submitted to the Office of the Clerk at the Assembly Quarters.

The nine nominees invited for screening are Professor Datonye Alasia, Mr Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr Peters Nwagor, Mrs Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Mr Lekue Kenneth, Otonye Amachree and Amairigha Edward Hart.

Governor Fubara had earlier forwarded the list to the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly for consideration. The move came about three weeks after he removed eight commissioners from office.

Those affected by the recent dismissal were not included in the new list presented to the lawmakers. The governor had also earlier relieved his Special Advisers of their duties.

The development follows recent political events in the state involving the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Both leaders were involved in a prolonged political dispute that drew national attention. President Bola Tinubu later stepped in to mediate in the crisis.

After the President’s intervention, the impeachment notice earlier issued against Governor Fubara and his deputy by 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike was withdrawn. Speaker Martin Amaewhule announced the withdrawal in line with agreements reached after the meeting with the President.

More names are expected to be sent to the Assembly in the coming days, as Rivers State has 23 local government areas and additional appointments may be required to complete the State Executive Council.