Rivers Assembly Moves to Sack Commissioners, Political Appointees Amid Crisis

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has demanded the removal of 19 commissioners and political appointees in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, escalating the ongoing political tension in the state.

The lawmakers, predominantly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, issued a letter on Wednesday, accusing the governor of making illegal appointments without legislative approval. The letter cited violations of the 1999 Constitution and requested a fresh list of nominees for proper screening within 48 hours.

The Assembly criticized the governor for failing to submit the name of Dagogo Iboroma for screening as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, describing the action as a breach of sections 192 (2) and (5) and section 195 (1) of the constitution.

However, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sydney Tambari, dismissed the lawmakers’ demands as baseless, asserting that all commissioners were duly screened by the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who was recognized by the court as the authentic Speaker. He added that Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, Ehie’s successor, also screened and confirmed other appointees.

Tambari accused the lawmakers of acting beyond their powers, emphasizing that the governor is not obligated to send a fresh list of nominees. He argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the 2024 budget did not extend to sacking commissioners or political appointees.