Screening Drama: Rivers Assembly rejects four of Fubara’s commissioner nominees

The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected four out of the nine people nominated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to serve as commissioners in the state government.

The screening of the nominees took place on Monday at the State Assembly complex in Port Harcourt. During the exercise, lawmakers carefully questioned and reviewed the qualifications of each nominee before deciding whether to approve or reject them.

After the screening process, the Assembly confirmed five nominees and rejected four others.

The decision means that only the approved candidates will move forward to become members of the Rivers State Executive Council, while the rejected nominees will not be appointed unless new nominations are made.

The four nominees rejected by the lawmakers are Professor Datonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye TKD Amachree.

However, the Assembly approved the following nominees after their screening: Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart. These individuals are expected to take up responsibilities in the state government after their confirmation.

Governor Fubara had earlier sent the list of nine nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly on March 5, 2026. The nominations came shortly after the governor dissolved the previous State Executive Council as part of efforts to reorganize his administration.

Before the screening took place, the Assembly directed all nominees to submit the necessary documents and credentials required for the confirmation process. The lawmakers then reviewed the documents and conducted interviews to determine who was suitable for the positions.

This screening exercise is particularly significant because it is the first time the Rivers State House of Assembly has screened commissioner nominees since the end of the emergency rule in the state in September 2025.

The outcome of the screening shows the Assembly’s role in checking and approving government appointments, as well as ensuring that those chosen to serve as commissioners meet the required standards for public office in Rivers State.