Rivers State Assembly Directs Commissioner-Nominees to “Take a Bow and Go”

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has instructed the nine commissioner-nominees who recently resigned to “take a bow and go.” This decision was made during a plenary session held at the Legislative Quarters, Off PH/Aba Expressway, Port Harcourt.

On Monday, the parliament, in adherence to the 8-point peace agenda endorsed by Governor Sim Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, invited the commissioner-nominees for screening. The nominees include Zacchaeus Adangor, Dr. Jacobson Mbina, Dr. Gift Worlu, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, Hon. Isaac Kamalu, and Engr. Austin Ben Chioma.

During the session, Speaker Amaewhule read a letter from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dated December 11, 2023, requesting the screening and confirmation of the Commissioner nominees. The Majority Leader, Hon Major Jack, proposed a motion, supported by Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Dumle Maol, to allow the nominees to “take a bow and go” since they had undergone previous screening.

In a related development, Speaker Amaewhule expressed concern about the Government House staff in Port Harcourt declining to receive correspondence from the House. He cautioned that if this continues, the Assembly might reciprocate by refusing to accept correspondence from Governor Fubara’s office.

The political dynamics in Rivers State, marked by the recent resignations of the commissioner-nominees amid the ongoing political impasse between former Governor Wike and Governor Fubara, adds intrigue to these unfolding events. The Assembly’s stance raises questions about the future interaction between the legislative and executive branches in the state.