On March 9, 2026, the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected four out of nine commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a screening session that lasted over two hours.

The Assembly approved five nominees for appointment into the State Executive Council after a thorough evaluation. The confirmed nominees include Tonye Belgam, Prof. Temple Nwafor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth, and Amarigha Edward-Hart.

The rejected nominees were Prof. Datonye Alasia, Barrister Tamuno Williams, Otonye Amachree, and Charity Deemua. Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the four nominees were rejected due to poor performance during the screening exercise and the controversies surrounding their nominations.

The screening involved a detailed scrutiny of academic qualifications, work history, tax compliance, and various petitions against some nominees. Notably, Charity Deemua admitted during the screening that she had not paid tax since 2018.

Amidst the scrutiny, Otonye Amachree faced significant backlash, with the number of petitions against him increasing from 11 to 15 during the session. The House directed that a letter be sent to the governor requesting that the five cleared nominees be sworn in without delay.

The session was broadcast live on television, reflecting the public interest in the proceedings. The Assembly’s decision highlights ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, which have been exacerbated by the crisis surrounding political appointments.

Speaker Amaewhule emphasized the importance of ensuring that Rivers State receives the best candidates for its government, stating, “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.”

As the Assembly adjourned plenary to March 17, 2026, the political landscape in Rivers State remains charged, with the implications of this decision yet to unfold. The governor is expected to act promptly on the Assembly’s recommendations regarding the confirmed nominees.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential responses from Governor Fubara or the rejected nominees.

Сообщение Rivers Assembly Rejects Fubara Nominees появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.