Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt have begun the screening of commissioner nominees submitted by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as part of efforts to reconstitute the state’s executive council following months of political turbulence in the state.
The screening exercise started on Monday morning at the Assembly complex, where nine nominees arrived at about 10 a.m. and were ushered into the legislative chamber to face lawmakers. During the proceedings, each nominee was required to appear before the House, introduce themselves, outline their professional background and respond to questions from legislators regarding their experience, qualifications and plans for governance if confirmed.
The nominees presented by Governor Fubara include Professor Datonye Alasia, Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Lekue Kenneth, Otonye T.K.D. Amachree and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
Ahead of the exercise, the Assembly directed all nominees to submit forty copies of their curriculum vitae, photocopies of their academic and professional credentials, as well as evidence of tax compliance to the office of the Clerk of the House. The documents were required as part of the formal legislative process for confirming appointments into the Rivers State Executive Council.
The nomination and screening process comes shortly after Governor Fubara dissolved the existing State Executive Council as part of a political realignment following the prolonged crisis that had shaken Rivers State’s political landscape. The crisis had deepened divisions between the governor and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the state’s political structure and loyalty within the ruling party.
The political dispute had earlier escalated into a broader constitutional crisis that affected the state government and legislature. At the height of the conflict, the federal government imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, temporarily suspending key democratic institutions including the governor, his deputy and the House of Assembly. The emergency rule lasted for six months before it was lifted in September 2025, paving the way for the restoration of normal democratic governance.
Since the end of the emergency administration, efforts have been ongoing to rebuild the executive structure of the state government and restore administrative stability. The screening of commissioner nominees represents a major step in that process, as confirmed commissioners will serve as members of the state cabinet responsible for overseeing key ministries and implementing government policies.
During the screening session, lawmakers questioned the nominees about their competence, professional achievements and their vision for contributing to governance in Rivers State. Observers present during the proceedings said the session was conducted in an orderly manner with the nominees addressing questions on development priorities, transparency in public service and strategies to support the administration’s agenda.
The exercise also attracted considerable public attention due to the lingering political tensions that have characterized the state’s leadership since the fallout between Fubara and influential political actors aligned with his predecessor. Analysts say the composition of the new cabinet could play a significant role in shaping the balance of political power in the state and determining how effectively the administration implements its policies.
In a dramatic development during the screening process, the Assembly reportedly rejected four of the nominees put forward by the governor. Those rejected include Professor Datonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams and Otonye T.K.D. Amachree.
Meanwhile, five nominees were successfully confirmed by the House following the screening exercise. Those confirmed include Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The confirmation of the successful nominees clears the way for their formal appointment as commissioners, allowing them to join the state executive council and assume responsibility for various ministries once portfolios are assigned by the governor.
Political observers say the mixed outcome of the screening process reflects the continuing influence of legislative oversight in the state and the delicate political balance between the executive and the House of Assembly. The rejection of some nominees suggests that lawmakers are exercising their constitutional authority to scrutinize appointments rather than granting automatic approval.
The development is expected to influence the next phase of governance in Rivers State as the administration seeks to stabilize its leadership structure after months of political uncertainty. With the executive council gradually being rebuilt, attention is likely to shift toward governance priorities including infrastructure development, economic growth, security and social services across the state.
Further updates are expected as the government proceeds with the formal swearing-in of the confirmed commissioners and possibly submits additional nominees to fill the remaining positions within the state cabinet.
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