PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday flexed its legislative muscles, confirming only five out of the nine commissioner nominees sent forward by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a televised plenary session that lasted over two hours, the House, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, subjected the nominees to intense questioning. While five cleared the hurdles, four were sent packing following what lawmakers described as “poor performance” and “questionable documentation.”
The Winners and Losers
The following five nominees were successfully confirmed and cleared for inauguration into the State Executive Council:
- Mr. Tonye Bellgam
- Professor Temple Nwofor
- Dr. Peters Nwagor
- Mr. Lekue Kenneth
- Sir Amairigha Edward Hart
However, the ambitions of four others hit a brick wall as the House refused their confirmation:
- Professor Datonye Alasia: Rejected over alleged discrepancies in his birth certificate and a missing tax clearance certificate.
- Mrs. Charity Deemua: Disqualified for failing to provide valid tax clearance documents.
- Otonye TKD Amachree: Rejected following over 11 petitions from his local community alleging his involvement in various crises.
- Tamuno Williams: Denied confirmation for allegedly making public statements that “misled the public” regarding the Assembly’s activities.
“Not Prepared to Serve”
Speaker Amaewhule did not mince words during the session, stating that the rejected candidates failed to prove they were “square pegs in square holes.” Professor Alasia, in particular, faced a grilling over “mutilated” age declarations, eventually apologizing to the House for the oversight.
The rejection of nearly half of the Governor’s list marks a significant moment in the ongoing political chess game in Rivers State. It comes weeks after Governor Fubara dissolved his previous cabinet on February 12, citing the need for a fresh start.
With the five confirmed members set for swearing-in, all eyes are now on Government House to see if the Governor will submit a fresh list to fill the remaining vacancies. The House has adjourned plenary until March 17, 2026.
