Rivers Assembly Rejects Fubara Nominees
The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected four out of nine commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for screening and confirmation on March 9, 2026.
During a screening exercise that lasted over two hours, the Assembly approved five nominees for appointment into the State Executive Council. The confirmed 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. Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the four nominees were rejected due to poor performance during the screening exercise and controversies surrounding their nominations.
The screening process involved a thorough examination of academic qualifications, work history, tax compliance, and various petitions against some nominees. Notably, during the screening, Charity Deemua admitted that she had not paid tax since 2018, raising concerns about her suitability.
In a statement, Amaewhule emphasized, “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.” This sentiment reflects the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that only qualified individuals are appointed to key government positions.
The Assembly also directed that a letter be sent to the governor requesting that the five cleared nominees be sworn in without delay. The decision to reject the four nominees is indicative of ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, which have been exacerbated by the crisis surrounding political appointments.
Following the screening, the House adjourned plenary to March 17, 2026, indicating that further discussions and decisions regarding the rejected nominees may take place at that time.
The screening session was broadcast live on television, allowing the public to witness the proceedings and the scrutiny faced by the nominees. The Assembly’s actions have drawn attention to the importance of accountability and transparency in government appointments.
As political dynamics continue to evolve in Rivers State, the implications of this decision may resonate beyond the immediate context of the nominees, reflecting broader issues within the state’s governance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential next steps from Governor Fubara in response to the Assembly’s decision.