A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara has confirmed five commissioners-designate, paving the way for their possible swearing-in as members of the State Executive Council.
The nominees, who appeared for screening on Tuesday, include Samuel Eyiba from Ahoada, Ilamu Arugu from Abua/Odual, Dr. Roland Obed-Whyte from Degema, Samuel Anya from Abia State, and Austin Emeka Nnadozie from Etche.
The confirmation followed a letter sent by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the factional Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, requesting the House to assess the suitability of the nominees.
During the plenary session held at the legislative auditorium in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the Speaker read the governor’s request, which stated, “Request for the screening and confirmation of nominees for admission: Pursuant to Section 192 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it is my pleasure to forward the underlisted nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as commissioners and members of the Rivers State Executive Council.”
Following the reading of the letter, the five commissioner-nominees were ushered into the chambers of the House. They answered questions from lawmakers on various state policy issues before being escorted out of the Assembly floor by the Sergeant-at-Arms, David Wariboko.
After a heated debate, the House confirmed the commissioners-designate through a voice vote. Speaker Oko-Jumbo then directed the clerk to convey the House’s resolution to the governor, signaling their readiness for swearing-in as members of the State Executive Council.