Fresh political tension appears to be brewing in Rivers State after the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected four commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The nominees were screened by lawmakers during a plenary session held on Monday at the State Assembly complex in Port Harcourt.
Following the screening exercise, the Assembly confirmed five of the governor’s nominees for appointment into the State Executive Council. Those approved include Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
However, four other nominees failed to secure legislative approval. Those rejected by the lawmakers are Professor Datonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye TKD Amachree.
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Although the Assembly did not immediately provide detailed reasons for the rejection, the development is expected to heighten political tensions in the state’s political landscape.
The screening and confirmation of commissioner nominees is a constitutional responsibility of the State House of Assembly, which must approve candidates before they can be formally appointed into the state cabinet.
Political observers say the latest development could signal renewed friction within the state’s political structure as Governor Fubara continues to form his executive team.
More details are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds.