Fubara Preparing Fresh List of Commissioner Nominees – Source Reveals Many Are Loyalists of FCT Minister Wike

Governor Siminalayi Fubara is quietly compiling yet another set of commissioner nominees for submission to the Rivers State House of Assembly, even as the dust settles from the recent screening and swearing-in of the first batch.

A credible source close to the governor’s administration has exclusively disclosed to Inside Port Harcourt that this impending fresh list features individuals widely regarded as loyalists aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The revelation points to a deliberate effort to further balance the State Executive Council in line with the reconciliation framework brokered by President Bola Tinubu.

This development follows the March 9, 2026 screening exercise where the Assembly confirmed five nominees out of nine submitted earlier in the month, rejecting four amid concerns over credentials, performance history, and other issues. The cleared and subsequently sworn-in commissioners on March 11 include:

– Mr. Tonye Bellgam
– Prof. Temple Nwofor
– Dr. Peters Nwagor
– Mr. Lekue Kenneth
– Sir Amairigha Edward Hart

The rejected nominees were Prof. Datonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.

The source emphasized that the upcoming list—details of which, including the number of names and exact identities, remain under wraps for now—leans heavily toward figures with established ties to Minister Wike. This shift contrasts with perceptions around the initial nine nominees, many of whom were described in various reports as neutral technocrats, professionals from the private sector, or individuals with minimal overt political baggage from either the Fubara or Wike camps.

Governor Fubara’s push for additional commissioners is seen as a continuation of cabinet reconstitution efforts initiated after the February 2026 dissolution of the previous State Executive Council. It aligns with broader moves to stabilize governance in Rivers State following prolonged political tensions and the implementation of the presidential peace deal.

During the swearing-in ceremony for the five confirmed commissioners, Governor Fubara praised the rigorous screening process and urged the new appointees to prioritize excellence, competence, and service delivery to the people of Rivers State.

Political watchers interpret the preparation of a Wike-aligned batch as a strategic concession or confidence-building measure within the truce agreement, potentially paving the way for smoother executive-legislative relations and accelerated development initiatives.

No timeline for submission of this new list has been confirmed, but insiders suggest it could be forwarded soon to fill remaining vacancies and strengthen the administration’s capacity.