By Juliet Ezeh
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday began the screening of nine commissioner nominees recently submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara as part of efforts to reconstitute the State Executive Council.
The nominees arrived at the Assembly complex around 10 a.m. and were ushered into the chamber where the screening exercise was conducted by lawmakers.
Those undergoing the screening include Datonye Alasia, Tonye Bellgam, Temple Nwofor, Peters Nwagor, Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Lekue Kenneth, Otonye TKD Amachree and Amairigha Hart.
During the exercise, each nominee appeared before the lawmakers, introduced themselves and responded to questions aimed at assessing their qualifications, experience and suitability for cabinet positions in the state government.
The screening process forms part of constitutional procedures required before the nominees can be confirmed and formally appointed as commissioners.
Governor Fubara had forwarded the list of nominees to the Assembly on March 5, 2026, shortly after dissolving the existing State Executive Council in a move seen as part of efforts to reorganise his administration.
Ahead of the screening, the Assembly had directed the nominees to submit multiple copies of their curriculum vitae, academic credentials and evidence of tax compliance to facilitate proper legislative review.
The development signals another step in the rebuilding of the state’s executive structure following the political turbulence that previously affected governance in the oil-rich state.
Rivers State had experienced months of political uncertainty after a major power struggle within the state’s political leadership triggered a crisis that eventually led to the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025.
The emergency rule temporarily suspended elected officials in the state but democratic governance was later restored after the measure was lifted in September 2025.
With the screening process now underway, the Assembly is expected to decide whether to confirm the nominees and allow them join the governor’s cabinet to assist in running the affairs of the state.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.