The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday confirmed five of the nine commissioner nominees submitted by Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, while disqualifying four others over controversies surrounding their documentation.
The development followed a screening exercise held during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt, where lawmakers examined the credentials and records of the nominees forwarded by the governor.
The confirmed nominees are Prof. Datonye Alasia, Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor and Mr. Lekue Kenneth. After the review of their credentials and professional backgrounds, the lawmakers cleared them for appointment into the Rivers State Executive Council.
Their confirmation is expected to strengthen Governor Fubara’s cabinet following the earlier dissolution of the State Executive Council as part of efforts to reorganise the administration.
However, the Assembly declined to confirm four other nominees. Those affected include Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Otonye TKD Amachree and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
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Lawmakers cited concerns over discrepancies in their submitted documents, including questions surrounding academic credentials, incomplete submissions and other compliance issues raised during the screening process.
Presiding over the session, Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the House remained committed to ensuring that only nominees with verifiable records and satisfactory documentation were cleared for public office.
He stressed that the Assembly carried out the screening in line with constitutional provisions and its oversight responsibilities.
Governor Fubara had earlier transmitted the list of nominees to the legislature on March 3, 2026, directing them to undergo legislative screening before confirmation. As part of the process, the nominees were required to submit multiple copies of their curriculum vitae, photocopies of credentials and evidence of tax compliance.
Political observers say the screening exercise reflects ongoing efforts to stabilise governance in Rivers State after months of political tension involving competing interests within the state’s political structure.
With the confirmation of five commissioners, attention is now turning to whether the governor will submit additional nominees to replace those disqualified by the Assembly.
The newly confirmed commissioners are expected to assume office soon and take charge of key ministries as the administration moves to advance its development agenda in the oil-producing state.
