There are strong indications that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has submitted a new list of commissioner-nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
Sources told Saturday PUNCH that the list was transmitted to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on Friday—less than 24 hours after the governor dissolved the State Executive Council and relieved all Special Advisers of their duties.
Until Thursday’s dissolution, Fubara had retained eight commissioners whose appointments were not affected by the Supreme Court judgment recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly leadership.
A senior aide to the governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development, stating that the ball is now in the Assembly’s court.
“The governor has already sent the names of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly. It is now for the Speaker to invite them for screening. In the spirit of reconciliation, some names may come from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Commissioners who performed well may also be reappointed,” the aide disclosed.
The source further revealed that the reconstructed Rivers State House of Assembly Complex is nearing completion and would soon be commissioned, allowing lawmakers to return from their temporary location to resume plenary in the new facility.
“The House complex undertaken by the governor will be commissioned soon, and lawmakers will move from their temporary quarters to the new facility,” he added.
Meanwhile, political observers say the governor may also appoint a new Chief of Staff as part of the reconciliation framework reportedly brokered by President Bola Tinubu during a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Monday between Fubara and Wike.
A source familiar with the discussions claimed that, “As part of the agreement, the governor’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, should not be seen near Government House, Port Harcourt.”
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the governor’s newly appointed Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, proved unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to his phone were not returned.
Reacting to enquiries, the House of Assembly Chairman on Information and Complaints, Enemi George, neither confirmed nor denied receipt of the list.
“When we receive such a list, don’t we usually make it public and we invite the people? So, don’t worry yourself, you will hear it when the time comes,” he said.
Commenting on the cabinet dissolution, a former member of the National Assembly and ex-Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Ogbonna Nwuke, described the move as necessary for restoring stability.
“A lot of time has gone, and there are things to be done. Constituting a full cabinet is appropriate,” he stated.
On the anticipated nominations, Nwuke expressed optimism, saying, “The names will be published, and the Assembly will invite nominees for screening. Competent sons and daughters of Rivers State will be nominated.”
The latest development is widely seen as part of broader efforts to stabilise governance in Rivers State following months of political tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Punch
