The Rivers State House of Assembly has cleared five of the nine commissioner-nominees submitted by Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, while rejecting four others after a screening exercise that lasted more than two hours.
The decision was announced on Monday during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, who said the House approved five nominees as commissioners-designate following what lawmakers described as a rigorous screening process.
Amaewhule explained that the four nominees were rejected due to poor performance during the screening and controversies surrounding their nominations, including petitions and issues relating to their documents.
“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 said.
“And four of them the House has chosen to take a deep breath, given their poor performance and controversies surrounding either 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.”
He added that the lawmakers believed the rejected nominees were not suitable for positions in the state’s executive council.
Amaewhule further stated that the resolution of the House would be formally communicated to Governor Fubara, urging him to take necessary steps in the interest of the state.
“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.
Following the decision, the Speaker announced that a letter would be sent to the governor requesting him to swear in the confirmed nominees as soon as possible.
Those whose nominations were rejected are Prof. Datonye Alasia, Barr. Tamuno Williams, Otonye Amachree and Charity Deemua.
Meanwhile, the nominees confirmed by the Assembly are Tonye Belgam, Prof. Temple Nwafor, Dr Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth and Amarigha Edward-Hart.
The House subsequently adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
