The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday screened and confirmed five out of the nine commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while rejecting four others.
The lawmakers approved five of the nominees as commissioners-designate after a screening exercise that lasted more than two hours.
Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, who presided over the plenary, announced the decision after members moved and seconded motions either supporting or opposing the nominees.
Amaewhule explained that the four nominees were rejected due to poor performance during the screening and petitions surrounding their nominations.
He said, “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.
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“And four of them, the House has chosen to take a deep breath, given their poor performance and controversies surrounding their documents. 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.”
Rivers Assembly Set To Write To Gov. Fubara To Swear-In Selected Commissioners
The Speaker thanked members for their contributions and said the House would formally communicate its resolution to the governor.
“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,” he said.
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Amaewhule also said the House would write to the governor requesting him to swear in the five confirmed nominees as soon as possible.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Datonye Alasia, Barr. Tamuno Williams, Otonye Amachree and Charity Deemua.
The nominees confirmed by the lawmakers are Tonye Belgam, Prof. Temple Nwafor, Dr Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth and Amarigha Edward-Hart.
The House later adjourned plenary to March 17, 2026.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
