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Political Showdown in Rivers: Assembly Rejects Fubara’s Commissioners, Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum!

By Achimi Muktar

A fresh political storm has erupted in Rivers State as the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has rejected Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appointment of 19 commissioners, accusing him of violating constitutional provisions.

In a dramatic move, the lawmakers have given Fubara just 48 hours to submit a fresh list of nominees for screening and confirmation, threatening a major legislative standoff if he fails to comply.

Governor Fubara Under Fire

The Assembly, in a letter dated March 5, accused the governor of unlawfully swearing in 19 commissioners without their approval, bypassing the constitutional requirement for legislative screening and confirmation.

In what they described as a “clear violation of the Constitution,” the lawmakers further alleged that several other appointments, including members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement and the Local Government Service Commission, were also made without due process.

The letter stated:

“The swearing-in of Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman, along with members Earnest Ibekwe Ekwe, Mina Ogbanga, Iseleye Amachree, and Adokiye Oyagiri into the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, without screening and confirmation by the House, violates Section 4(a) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008.”

The same concern was raised regarding the appointment of Goodlife Ben as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, alongside other members, without proper confirmation as required by the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.

A Threat to Democracy?

The lawmakers warned that such actions could undermine democracy in the state, stressing the importance of legislative oversight in governance.

“These appointments, along with others, pose a serious threat to our nascent democracy. They must be addressed accordingly,” the statement read.

Fubara Given 48 Hours to Act

The House of Assembly has now demanded that Fubara immediately submit a new list of nominees for appointment as commissioners and other key positions within 48 hours, ensuring that all positions requiring legislative confirmation are filled through the proper process.

With tensions rising between the executive and legislative arms of government, all eyes are now on Fubara. Will he comply with the Assembly’s ultimatum, or will this escalate into a full-blown political crisis?