Rivers Assembly Puts Commissioners’ Screening on Hold
Rivers Assembly Puts Commissioners’ Screening on Hold
..as Only 7 of 9 Nominees Submit CVs
The screening and confirmation process for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commissioner nominees has encountered a temporary setback in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule disclosed this development during the swearing-in ceremony of two newly elected members who emerged victorious in the recent by-elections. The new lawmakers, sworn in on Thursday, are expected to strengthen the Assembly’s composition as it navigates ongoing political matters in the state.
According to the Speaker, out of the nine commissioner nominees forwarded by the governor for screening and confirmation as members of the State Executive Council, only seven have so far submitted their required curriculum vitae (CVs) and supporting documents. The Assembly had earlier, via a special announcement on March 3, 2026, directed all nominees to provide 40 copies of their CVs, photocopies of academic and professional credentials, and evidence of tax compliance as a prerequisite for the exercise.
Amaewhule emphasized that the House, in a unanimous decision during plenary, resolved to place the entire screening process on hold until the remaining three nominees comply by submitting their CVs. This move is aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent, and complete evaluation of all candidates before proceeding with interviews and confirmation.
The development comes amid efforts to reconstitute the state executive following recent changes, including the submission of the nominee list by Governor Fubara to the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly.
The swearing-in of the two by-election winners—Mr. Napoleon Ukalikpe and Mrs. Henriette Dinebari-Looloo—was conducted amid a charged atmosphere, with Amaewhule charging them to represent their constituents diligently and contribute to effective legislative oversight.
Political observers note that this procedural pause underscores the Assembly’s insistence on due process in line with constitutional requirements for executive appointments. No specific timeline has been given for when the outstanding submissions are expected or when screening might resume once all documents are in.
The Rivers State House of Assembly continues to assert its constitutional role in confirming key appointments, even as the state works toward stability in governance following prolonged political tensions.
Further updates will be provided as more nominees submit their documents and the House sets a new date for the screening exercise.
