The Rivers State House of Assembly has declined the confirmation of four out of nine commissioner-nominees submitted by the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after subjecting them to a screening process on Monday.
During the plenary session, which lasted for more than two hours, lawmakers carefully examined the credentials and suitability of each nominee before making their decision. At the end of the exercise, five nominees were approved to serve as commissioners in the state executive council, while the remaining four were rejected due to concerns raised during the screening.
The session was presided over by the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, who announced the outcome of the deliberations to lawmakers and members of the public present.
Five Nominees Confirmed
Following the screening, the Assembly cleared five individuals to take up positions as commissioners-designate in the Rivers State Executive Council. Those confirmed include Tonye Belgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amarigha Edward-Hart.
Speaker Amaewhule explained that the Assembly would formally communicate its resolution to Governor Fubara so that the confirmed nominees can be sworn in without delay.
According to him, the governor would be notified through an official letter requesting that the five approved candidates be inaugurated as commissioners as soon as possible to enable them begin their duties.
Four Nominees Rejected
However, the Assembly declined to confirm the nominations of Professor Datonye Alasia, Tamuno Williams, Otonye T.K.D. Amachree, and Charity Deemua.
Amaewhule stated that the decision was based on the nominees’ unsatisfactory performance during the screening exercise as well as issues surrounding their documentation and qualifications.
He noted that some of the candidates failed to convincingly demonstrate that they possessed the competence and preparedness required to occupy positions in the state’s executive council.
According to the Speaker, the Assembly must ensure that only individuals who are capable and well-suited for the roles are appointed to manage the affairs of the state.
Tax Record Controversy
One of the most controversial moments during the screening involved nominee Charity Deemua, who faced tough questioning from lawmakers over irregularities in her tax records.
When asked to clarify the issue, Deemua explained that her tax clearance had not been updated since December 2018 because she had been engaged in politics and did not have formal employment.
She argued that tax obligations are typically tied to income, suggesting that her lack of a regular job affected her tax filings.
However, the explanation did not sit well with members of the Assembly. Speaker Amaewhule questioned whether being a politician automatically exempts someone from paying taxes.
He pointed out that under oath she appeared to be claiming she had not earned any income for several years, a statement that raised further doubts among lawmakers.
After sustained questioning, Deemua eventually apologised to the Assembly.
National Anthem Question
Another nominee, Tamuno Williams, also struggled during the screening. When the House Leader, Major Jack, asked him to recite the second stanza of the Nigerian national anthem, he was unable to do so, which further drew criticism from lawmakers.
The development contributed to the Assembly’s decision to reject his nomination.
Commitment to Accountability
The Assembly emphasized that its actions were guided by the responsibility to ensure competence, transparency, and accountability in the selection of members of the Rivers State Executive Council.
Lawmakers maintained that the screening process is designed to protect the interests of the people of Rivers State by ensuring that only qualified and capable individuals are entrusted with public office.
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