Rivers Assembly Rejects Four Commissioner Nominees After Tense Screening, Confirms Five

The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected four out of nine commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara following a rigorous screening exercise today.

The lawmakers confirmed five nominees while turning down Professor Datonye Alasia, Mrs Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye TKD Amachree. Those approved are Mr Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr Peters Nwagor, Mr Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.

The nationally televised screening took place at the Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, with nominees appearing individually to defend their credentials, explain gaps in documentation and respond to questions from lawmakers. The process lasted several hours and was marked by pointed scrutiny over inconsistencies in records, tax compliance, past public statements, and suitability for office.

Professor Datonye Alasia, a medical doctor and professor of medicine, faced questions about discrepancies on his birth certificate and the absence of a tax clearance certificate. He explained the birth certificate issue as possible clerical error by the signing doctor and apologised for the missing tax document. Lawmakers were unconvinced; Degema Constituency representative Peter Abbey moved against confirmation, stating Alasia’s responses were not satisfactory. The motion was seconded and carried.

Charity Deemua was challenged on inconsistencies in her birth records and lack of tax clearance. When asked about her work experience, she replied, “I’m a politician, I don’t have work,” prompting Speaker Martin Amaewhule to ask whether politicians are exempt from paying tax. Her nomination was rejected.

Tamuno Williams, a lawyer and former local government chairman from Okrika, was questioned over alleged past criticisms of the Assembly. He defended himself, stating, “First of all, I can never talk down on this House. My comments were based on legal jurisprudence.” The House still voted against confirmation.

Otonye Amachree, a senior lawyer and lecturer, faced scrutiny over petitions and his previous involvement in a Kalabari regency legal dispute. Despite addressing the concerns, his nomination was rejected.

The confirmed nominees – Tonye Bellgam (project management and oil/gas experience), Professor Temple Nwofor (civil engineering), Dr Peters Nwagor (mathematics and university administration), Lekue Kenneth (chartered accountant), and Amairigha Edward Hart (senior lawyer) — satisfied the lawmakers after presenting their qualifications and responding to questions.

Governor Fubara forwarded the list of nine nominees on March 5, 2026, following the dissolution of the State Executive Council. The Assembly invited them to submit required documents for screening before confirmation as commissioners and members of the Rivers State Executive Council.

At the conclusion of the exercise, the Speaker announced that the House would formally notify Governor Fubara of its decision. “We will write to His Excellency to swear in the five confirmed nominees as soon as possible,” he said.

The rejections come amid ongoing political friction in Rivers State. The screening reflects the Assembly’s determination to scrutinize nominees thoroughly, particularly on integrity, documentation and alignment with legislative expectations.

The governor is expected to receive the Assembly’s resolution and decide on next steps regarding the rejected nominees, which could include re-submission of new names or legal/political negotiations.