Rivers Assembly Demands Fubara Dismiss Commissioners, Appointees Amidst Political Tensions

Rivers Assembly Demands Fubara Dismiss Commissioners, Appointees Amidst Political Tensions

The Rivers State House of Assembly, dominated by allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has escalated its conflict with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding the immediate dismissal of all 19 commissioners and political appointees not screened by the current assembly leadership.

Speaker Martins Amaewhule issued a letter to Governor Fubara, citing “illegal appointments” and a failure to submit nominees for proper screening, as mandated by the 1999 Constitution. The letter specifically criticized the governor’s appointment of Dagogo Iboroma as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice without assembly vetting. Amaewhule further demanded a new list of nominees for all vacant positions within 48 hours.

However, Commissioner for Environment Sydney Tambari dismissed the assembly’s demands as “a figment of their imagination,” asserting that all commissioners had been duly screened by former Speaker Edison Ehie, who was previously recognized by the courts as the legitimate speaker. He also highlighted that subsequent confirmations were done by current speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.

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Tambari argued that the assembly’s request was invalid, stating that the commissioners and appointees had already undergone legitimate screening. He emphasized that the assembly was exceeding its authority, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which addressed the 2024 budget and did not extend to the dismissal of commissioners. He said “They are acting outside of the Supreme Court ruling.” He concluded by stating that Governor Fubara would not submit a new list of nominees.

The ongoing dispute underscores the deepening political rift between Governor Fubara and the Wike-aligned assembly, fueling concerns of further instability in Rivers State.