The Siminalayi Fubara administration has taken a key step in filling its cabinet as the Rivers State House of Assembly confirmed receipt of a list of commissioner-nominees and invited nine individuals for screening and confirmation.
The submission comes about three weeks after Governor Fubara dismissed eight commissioners and all his special advisers. The earlier sackings followed a Supreme Court ruling recognising Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Assembly.
The nine nominees are believed to be the first batch of a larger cabinet reshuffle, with more appointments expected in the coming weeks.
The invitation for screening was outlined in a government special announcement dated March 3 and signed by the Clerk of the House, Dr Emeka Amadi.
The statement instructed nominees to submit forty sets of their curriculum vitae, photocopies of their credentials, and evidence of compliance with tax obligations to the office of the Clerk of the House.
The nominees are:
Professor Datonye Alasia
Mr Tonye Bellgam
Professor Temple Nwofor
Dr Peters Nwagor
Mrs Charity Deemua
Tamuno Williams
Mr Lekue Kenneth
Otonye Amachree
Amairigha Edward Hart
The Assembly has not yet specified the exact date for the screening of the nominees. Attempts to reach the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Complaints, Enemi George, for clarification were unsuccessful, as calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages were not answered as of Tuesday evening.
Governor Fubara’s cabinet reshuffle follows months of political tension in Rivers State, especially after the Supreme Court affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the lawful Speaker of the House of Assembly.
The ruling affected power dynamics in the state and led to the dismissal of commissioners perceived to be aligned with factions opposed to the recognized leadership of the Assembly. All special advisers of Governor Fubara were also relieved of their duties.
Reports indicate that tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, , who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have eased following direct intervention by President .
President Tinubu’s involvement reportedly prevented further political crises, including halting impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu. The impeachment initiative, led by 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister Wike, was formally withdrawn after the President’s directive.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Amaewhule, had earlier confirmed the withdrawal, emphasising compliance with the presidential directive.
The screening of the nine commissioner-nominees is a critical step in restoring functional governance in Rivers State. Commissioners play key roles in executing state policies and overseeing ministries such as health, education, finance, and infrastructure.
The exercise also represents a demonstration of adherence to due process, as nominees are required to submit credentials and tax compliance documents before confirmation. This ensures transparency and accountability in public service appointments.
Dr. Emeka Ojukwu, a political analyst in Port Harcourt, said: “Governor Fubara’s cabinet submission is timely. It provides an opportunity to build a team that can work effectively with the Assembly. The presidential intervention has also ensured that past tensions do not derail governance.”
Others note that the smooth screening and confirmation of the nominees could help the state government implement its development agenda, especially in critical areas such as infrastructure, health, and education.
While the Assembly has received the nomination list, citizens and stakeholders are awaiting the formal screening dates. The speed and transparency of the confirmation process are expected to influence public perception of governance in the state.
For Governor Fubara, the screening marks a fresh start for his administration’s second term, with the potential to strengthen institutional governance and promote policy continuity.
