Rivers Assembly confirms five Fubara commissioner nominees, rejects four

By Davies Iheamnachor

PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday screened nine commissioner nominees forwarded by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, confirming five and rejecting four.

The screening followed the submission of the list of nominees for consideration to serve in the governor’s cabinet. The Assembly had requested the nominees to provide 40 copies of their Curriculum Vitae, credential photocopies, and tax compliance evidence ahead of the process, as directed in a notice signed by Clerk Emeka Amadi on March 3, 2026.

This exercise comes after the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State following the lifting of a six-month state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 17, 2025, and a new Abuja peace deal between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Governor Fubara had earlier sacked his former commissioners, including Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and Secretary to the State Government Benibo Anabraba, following his return from Abuja, and subsequently appointed new officials to those positions.

Of the nine nominees screened, the Assembly confirmed the following as commissioners: Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.

The four nominees who were rejected after the screening are Prof. Datonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye T.K.D. Amachree. Sources said the reasons for the rejections included poor performance during screening, numerous petitions from constituents, and failure to file tax returns.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, commended lawmakers for their active participation in the screening and confirmation process.