The surv!vors and casualti£s: Meet the New Rivers State Commissioners

Following the intense and often dramatic screening at the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday, March 9, 2026, the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains incomplete. Out of the 9 nominees submitted, only 5 were confirmed.

Here is the breakdown of who is “In” and who was “kicked out.”

The confirmed (The “Lucky Five”)

These individuals scaled the hurdle and are scheduled to be sworn in today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Mr. Tonye Bellgam: A Project Management expert with a deep background in the Oil & Gas sector.

Prof. Temple Nwofor: A Professor of Civil Engineering from Igwuruta in Ikwerre local government area. He faced tough questions on fiscal discipline but ultimately won the House over.

Dr. Peters Nwagor: A Mathematician and Associate Dean from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.

Mr. Lekue Kenneth: A Chartered Accountant and senior project accountant previously involved in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Sir Amairigha Edward Hart: A seasoned administrator whose professional background satisfied the legislative requirements.

The rejected (The “Frustrated Four”)

The House “took a deep breath” on these four, citing poor performance, documentation discrepancies, and public petitions.

Prof. Datonye Alasia: A Professor of Medicine. His confirmation stalled over alleged “mutilations” on his birth certificate and a missing tax clearance certificate.

Tamuno Williams: A lawyer and former Okrika local government Chairman. His rejection is the most political, as he was grilled over past media comments challenging the Assembly’s authority.

Mrs. Charity Deemua: A former member of the House of Assembly Service Commission and the only woman on the list.

Otonye T.K.D. Amachree: A senior lawyer and lecturer who faced scrutiny over petitions related to a Kalabari regency legal dispute.

Investigative takeaway

The rejection of Prof. Alasia (a medical heavyweight) and Tamuno Williams (a vocal Fubara loyalist) suggests the House is using its “screening” powers to prune the Governor’s inner circle. By leaving four seats vacant, the Assembly has effectively “short-circuited” the full functionality of the State Executive Council.

Watch this space: Governor Fubara is expected to proceed with the swearing-in of the “Lucky Five” today. The question remains: Will he re-submit the names of the Rejected Four, or will he look for fresh faces to appease the Assembly?

Join the Conversation

Which of these rejections surprised you the most? Is the House being “diligent” or just being “difficult”?