Rivers Assembly Rejects Fubara Nominees
The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected four out of nine commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a screening exercise held on March 9, 2026.
Following a screening that lasted more than two hours, the Assembly approved five nominees for appointment into the State Executive Council. The approved nominees include Tonye Belgam, Prof Temple Nwafor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth, and Amarigha Edward-Hart.
The rejected nominees were identified as Prof. Datonye Alasia, Barrister Tamuno Williams, Otonye Amachree, and Charity Deemua. The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the rejections were due to poor performance during the screening process and controversies surrounding their nominations.
During the screening, it was revealed that Charity Deemua had not paid tax since 2018, raising concerns about her suitability for the position. Amaewhule questioned her on this matter, stating, “Madam, you have not been paying tax since 2018?” Deemua responded, “I am a politician. I didn’t have work.”
The Assembly’s decision reflects ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, with the Speaker emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the best candidates are appointed to the government. He remarked, “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.”
Additionally, the screening involved scrutiny of academic qualifications, work history, tax compliance, and several petitions against some nominees. Notably, Otonye Amachree faced an increase in the number of petitions against him, rising from 11 to 15.
The House has directed that a letter be sent to the governor requesting that the five cleared nominees be sworn in without delay. The Assembly adjourned plenary to March 17, 2026, as the political landscape in Rivers State continues to evolve.
The screening session was broadcast live on television, allowing the public to witness the proceedings and the scrutiny faced by the nominees. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions that may be taken following this decision.